LECKBAND SNOW CHALLENGE

Given the ominous forecast, I determined to mix things up a little today & do a snow challenge instead of a temp challenge, thinking some of our Leckband locations would get slammed. Well, it doesn't look like it anymore, but since I went to all the trouble of researching snow predictions, here goes. Ratings based on wunderground.com at 6:40a.

#1, TIE, Eagan, MN & Ventura, IA, 3-5"

#2, Lincoln, NE, 1-3"

#3, Beatrice, NE, 1"

#4, Norfolk, NE, -1"

HEADACHE UPDATE

For those of you fascinated by the personal details of my life, I thought I'd give you an update re:  my cluster headaches. They started last month, & they are continuing. Fortunately, I'm only getting one a day, & if I take sumatriptan soon enough, they don't last long. I've been on a prednisone regimen, which has been somewhat helpful in the past, but all it seems to be doing for me these days is raise my blood sugar. According to the Mayo Clinic website, here is some useful information for those who are inclined to know more.

During a cluster headache

* Headaches usually occur every day, sometimes several times a day. Check.

* A single attack can last from 15 min. to 3 hours. More toward 15-30 min for me.

"The attacks often occur at the same time each day. Almost all of mine are coming late morning.

* Most attacks occur at night, usually 1-2 hrs after you go to bed. Thankfully, no.

Causes

"The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but cluster headache patterns suggest that abnormalities in the body's biological clock (hypothalamus) play a role. Unlike migraine & tension headaches, cluster headache generally isn't associated with trigegrs, such as foods, hormonal changes or stress."

CRIMINAL MINDS

"South Dakota teacher arrested after his mom accidentally serves pot brownies to senior citizens." Fox News Online, 1/13

"250-year-old walnut tree chopped down in Ohio. Brother & sister hit with felony charges." Drudge 1/14

CELEBRITIES

"Celebs now drinking each other's blood." Drudge 1/14

"Betty White-Out? Michigan names snowplow after legendary actress." Fox News Online 1/14

WORLD OF MEDICINE *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Oct. 2021

"Spending chunks of your day on the Internet can be helpful or detrimental for your mental health, depending upon what you do there. A 2020 Canadian review linked social media use to mental distress among teens, in part because it can bring on a feeling that others look or live better than you do. On the other hand, in a 2021 British study, seniors who went online at least once a day during the pandemic lockdown tended to feel less depressed compared to those who accessed the Internet only once a week or less. The benefits include communicating with family & friends, finding inspiration for fun offline activities, & enjoying a quick, feel-good distraction on a rough day. (Cat video, anyone?)

POLITICAL POTPOURRI

"Report:  Inflation now higher than Biden's approval rating." Babylon Bee

COVID

"Stores refusing to sell chicken noodle soup after rumor COVID patients are using it to feel better." Babylon Bee

Scientists discover gene that increases risk of dying from Covid." Drudge 1/14

"Drones spray holy water at Hindu festival as huge crowds defy Covid rules." Drudge 1/14