Joan Clark, editor of Tips Bulletin gave permission to reprint this excellent resource.
If your mattress is still in decent shape, give it a new home, and someone in need a wonderful gift.
Boomers Get the Gig (economy)
Found this blog article; sharing it here because:
a. It dispels the well circulated myth that we are not computer savvy (I know…we were the first to use computers, but that’s gotten lost in the minds of the young…sigh…)
b. It highlights a terrific source of side income for those who don’t know about it.
Many thanks to Paige Kenny at inkhouse.com for the share.
So…you think you love animals?
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Americans have tremendous affection for their “other species family members” – we will spend over 55 Billion on our pets this year according to the Animal Health Foundation, with Boomers leading the way, literally: according to the AHF we were the first generation to normalize pet ownership (who knew?!)
Cool!
But, many folks who adore their dogs, cats, iguanas, fish, hamsters, or (fill in the blank) aren’t the total-package animal lovers they think they are.
That’s because these same folks will, without a second thought, inadvertently do a host of things that harm animals.
Worse yet, many will do the fingers-in-the-ears-“la la la I don’t want to hear that!” when the topic of animal mistreatment/cruelty is raised.
So, how can so many profess to love all animals so much yet do so little within their power to protect them?
Many say it’s too painful to think about, or believe there’s no way around some forms of abuse (like in medical research). Lots (like to) think the animals in entertainment venues are well cared for so no harm done.
All are excellent excuses. None are good reasons.
If you fit the above bill, it’s past time to take a critical look at the breadth of your love for animals.
If you love only animals living in your home, be honest with yourself and others – admit that your love of animals is conditional. 
But, if after some consideration you believe you really are a lover of all animals everywhere, then you have a bit of work to do…
So, to make this a bit easier for anyone ready and willing to show their love for all animals, here’s an easy reference short list of ways to show it:
training a baby elephant for the circus
Don’t go to roadside “zoos,” Sea World, dog/horse races, swim with the dolphins activities, or any other venue using animals for our entertainment; other species were not put on the planet to be captured and “trained” for our entertainment, and as we’ve learned from the closing of Ringling Brothers and SeaWorld’s woes, they are in fact greatly harmed by these venues/activities.
Buy meat that is humanely raised – it is a bit more expensive, but doing so both shows care for food animals and gets you meat that tastes better. Also, far easier to find these days.
Don’t get pets from commercial animal breeders or pet stores, aka “puppy
mills“ – their animals are often poorly treated in order to improve profits; you local shelter has plenty of critters anxiously awaiting a good home, and btw, shelter animals make much better family members; probably because they really appreciate the home and your love. Petfinder.com is an excellent resource.
Always take a few extra minutes when purchasing any product to ensure it was not tested on animals (those that don’t will proudly state so on the label) – to get you started, Johnson & Johnson refuses to end its use of animals to test its products; here’s a more complete list of companies that still use animals
Join one of the numerous organizations/groups that work tirelessly to stop animal abuse and take a few minutes each day to sign their 
petitions; donate to them when you can (why not take the money you would’ve spent on an extra toy for Fido and make the donation from him?! I’ve provided a starter list below)
Insist that medical research on animals be discontinued: research has come a long way from last millennia techniques – researchers no longer need to use animals but do so only because it’s been “standard practice” (hasn’t changed since Aristotle’s time) and is cheaper; more importantly, outcomes on animal research often do not correlate to outcomes with humans… in other words, such research is far too ineffective compared to other options (computer models, for instance)
Stop buying anything made in South Korea until they end their horrendous dog/cat meat trade (the details would sicken you). Short list: LG; Samsung; Kia; Hyundai.
Forward this article to all you know who consider themselves animal lovers.
Do these things, and all creatures all around the world will love you back for it.
Links to the top animal welfare organizations:
The Humane Society of the United States (USHS)
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) – helps species at risk of extinction
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) – helps animals in need throughout the world
The Non Human Rights Project (NhRP) – defends the rights of non human species
The Animal Rescue site – one click a day provides help to animals in need – do it every day…it’s free!
Finally: Whites Losing US Majority
Recent articles in major newspapers around the country have reported the decline of the country’s White population, resulting in the loss of our (I’m White as you know) majority status by mid-century.
To which I say… “Yay!”
We’ve had hundreds of years in the majority, and have proven ourselves to be rather 
pathetic stewards of our power. From decimating Native American populations and enslaving Africans (then continuing to do harm to both thereafter), to banning Chinese from migrating here (19th century Chinese Exclusion Act that lasted decades), interring Japanese-Americans and turning away Jews seeking safety during World War II, discriminating against LGBT folks, and now traumatizing children and families as they seek safety within our borders, we have clearly demonstrated our inability to lead ethically and humanely, thus the undeserving nature of our too-long-held majority.
We had our chance – make that chances – and we blew them, over and over. I’m glad our dominion will end soon.
May those who take our place learn from our bad behavior, and do far better.
This Adult Apologizes…
To America’s kids:
On behalf of America’s adults – particularly my fellow Baby Boomers (who are still mostly in charge of government & industry) – I want to apologize for the trauma you regularly experience from gun violence; we have failed you.
I apologize for the legislators who could protect your safety through common sense gun regulations that the vast majority of voters support, but instead place their own careers ahead of your lives.
I apologize for the nation’s responsible gun owners who, rather than fight for your safety by standing up to the NRA (which represents gun manufacturers), stay silent.
I apologize for the adults who, out of an irrational fear of having their guns taken from them if arms are better regulated, put these groundless fears ahead of your real ones.
I apologize for the adults who would rather turn your schools into prison-like fortresses and compel you to endure active shooter drills than ban semi-automatic weapons.
I apologize for those in governance who cite mental health as the problem, yet refuse to fund mental health services.
And finally, I apologize in advance for any who say I don’t speak for them, because by doing so, admit to being part of the problem.
It’s up to you, kids. If/when you’re old enough, you must not just march, but vote; at any age you must not just cry, but continue to hold adults accountable.
Because we’re clearly not able to do it for you.
The Boomer Expert's Blog 