This was a surprise. Epsom salt is best known as something extra for your bath, but it is so much more. It was discovered in the 17th century, first distilled from the water of a bitter saline spring at Epsom, in Surrey, England. It is technically known as magnesium sulfate, composed of tiny, colorless crystals that look like salt, but table salt is sodium chloride. Many of us are lacking in magnesium sulfate since over-development of agricultural land leaches essential minerals from the soil. Even the overuse of prescription medications, and the consumption of processed and fast foods all take a toll on depleting our body of magnesium. So, what to do? Soak in it since it is easily absorbed through the skin. It can help relieve muscle tension, pain, inflammation in joints, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. Tired and sore feet also benefit from a good soak. Both magnesium and sulfate help to improve the body’s ability to produce and use insulin. There are now float spas that offer floatation therapy, where you get into a small pool full of Epson salt and body temperature water, and float for about an hour. The video looked awesome. I am definitely a shower person, but after I wrote this, I decided to try out my big bathtub (for the second time since I bought my house 6 years ago) with Epson salts and hot water. (This might be the time to mention that I can even fall asleep sitting at the kitchen table.) I woke up at 2:30am. Didn’t anyone even miss me at my house and come looking for me? Heck, no! My son said that he could not figure out why I wasn’t answering him when he tried to talk to me outside the bath door. Well, because I was sleeping in the tub, silly!
I am telling you in advance so you can prepare. Texas Gulf Bank is hosting Shred Day on April 24th from 9 to 11:30am (or until the truck is full) at their LJ downtown location 203 This Way. Limit of 5 large boxes.
There is a hot new status symbol. It is the COVID-19 vaccination club card. It’s not really very glamorous, just a piece of heavy white paper that is handed to you when you get your first vaccination. You may feel that it needs to be laminated so it will look way-more-sexy for your second vaccination, but DON’T. You can’t write your new information on it if it is laminated. Staples has offered to laminate your card for FREE after your second vaccine, which is nice, but what if we end up needing booster shots in the future. Instead, how about a little plastic protector, or you could put it on a lanyard, wear it around your neck, and create vaccine envy of all your friends. If you lose it, be warned that it will cost $19 to replace your card with a non-official version, so always keep it in a safe place. It is recommended that you take it to your next doctor’s appointment. The CDC also recommends that you take a picture of it, send it to yourself, whatever it takes in case you misplace your card, so you will have your patient number and vaccine info. But do NOT share it on social media because of identity theft. And do not fall for the fake cards that are being sold by those working to scam you. If you have scheduled several appointments trying to get vaccinated(like I did), once you have been vaccinated, please cancel your other appointments for those that are waiting can get their first vaccine, too. We are going to get there.
Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart. Erma Bombeck
A man left his car window open while he made just a 10-minute grocery store run, returning to his car to find a swarm of approximately 15,000 honeybees in the back seat. After noticing something really wrong, he called 911 because he didn’t know what else to do. An off-duty firefighter whose hobby is beekeeping, safely removed the swarm, relocated them to his property, and will now reap the benefits…honey. He said, “I’ll do anything to keep people from killing the bees.” Evidently it is common in the spring for colonies of bees to split, with a swarm following a queen to another location. In this case, the open window could have provided a location for the bees to take shelter until they could find a more permanent home. Don’t forget to plant some flowers this spring. I recommend super easy Zinnias.
RECENT BIRTHDAYS: Musician Lil Nas X is 22. Singer Jackie Evancho is 21.Actor Liz Sheridan is 92. Jerry’s mother on Seinfeld. Sportscaster John Madden is 85. Actor Steven Seagal is 69. Singer-producer Babyface is 63. Musician Brian Setzer is 62. Stray Cats. Actor Haley Joel Osmentis 33. The Sixth Sense. Actor Christine Lahti is 71.Actor Nancy McKeon is 55. Magician David Blaine is 48. Horror filmmaker Roger Corman is 95. Known as The Pope of Pop Cinema. Singer Agnetha Faltskog of Abba is 71. Actor Ashley Judd is 53. Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham is 59. Actor Elinor Donahue is 84. Father Knows Best.
Actor Kate Hudson is 42. Drummer John Dittrich of Restless Heart is 70.Singer Julian Lennon is 58. Actor Robin Wright is 55.Keyboardist Dave Innis of Restless Heart is 62. Actor Cynthia Nixon is 55. Sex and the City. Actor Keshia Knight Pulliam is 42. Rudy Huxtable, youngest daughter The Cosby Show. Actor Elle Fanning is 23. Because of Winn-Dixie. Actor Hayley Mills is 75. Actor Rick Moranis is 68. Actor Jessica Lange is 72. Actor Ryan O’Neal is 80. Comedian George Lopez is 60. Actor Shirley MacLaine is 87. Actor-singer-director Barbra Streisand is 79. Actor Jack Nicholson is 84. Actor Patti LuPone is 72.
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died at 99.
It is called a Xupermask and is being launched by musician and investor will.i.am and Honeywell, now selling for $299. It has built-in fans, Bluetooth connectivity and audio. The big question is how long will we be masking up? The Department of Health and Human Services is offering$500,000 for the Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask… improving comfort, utility, and protective capabilities. You can only submit designs until 04-21-2021 so you better get on it if you have an idea.
The German carmaker said that Volkswagen Group of America was “unveiling the official change of its U.S. brand name from Volkswagen of America to Voltswagen of America” to lean into its aggressive electric vehicle production plans. Then they mentioned, not really…April Fools. A California hiker was found after he snapped a picture of his legs and sent it to a friend, saying he was lost and that his phone was dying. The sheriff’s department released the photo and asked area hikers if they could help. One of those hikers recognized his location, responded with possible coordinates, the hiker was found and airlifted to safety. One more time: The IRS delayed tax-filing deadline to May 15th.It is called a supply chain problem and it is happening everywhere. A ketchup shortage is now caused by a lack of the cute little packets, which was caused by the pandemic increase in takeout dining. Erin and Ben Napier, stars of Home Town, are having another baby girl in May. It is one of my favorite shows.
Do you have historic family photos, documents, letters, or other items that offer insight into the City of Lake Jackson and/or Brazoria County’s past? Join the LJHA Community Scan Day, May 8 from 9 am-1 pm at the Alden B. Dow Office Museum, 101 S. Parking Way. The public is invited to share their local history and help build a community digital photo collection. Volunteers will scan or photograph your historic photos, slides, documents, or objects (limit 10 to 20 items per person). You keep your original items and receive a digital copy for sharing or saving. The Lake Jackson Historical Association will keep a copy of the scans for its digital archives. They are seeking items that reflect local history, people, places, and events. In particular, bring photos of local scenes and buildings, past residents & social events. 979-297-1570. Help capture an important part of our community’s heritage to preserve for future generations.
Have a great week. Thank you for being a reader and customer of The Source Weekly. We love you; we need you, and we want you to sell something! Lisa 😊