Who is Mayor Menino?

It has recently come to my attention that I do not know much about the man who holds a lot of power in this city that I love, Boston. In my quest to educate myself I have come across some interesting information.

Thomas Menino was elected mayor of Boston in 1993, he was the first Italian American mayor of Boston. He has also broken the record of longest serving Mayor in Boston, five terms. His appeal is that he is a "people's mayor." It is much more likely to find him in the streets of Boston then in his office. He has said that he has to talk to the people of the city in order to know what the current issues are. A survey was given in which people rated how well they like him as a mayor; one of the questions asked if they had met him personally and over 50% said that they have.

Consistently his focus has been on improving the city, one city block at a time. Some have commented that this is a foolish approach, that a mayor needs to focus on the big picture. This course of action has worked for him. Being interconnected with the people of the city and their needs has set the standard for any mayor who follows him, they will need to continue having a direct connection and focus on the people. Part of his plan is focusing on improving education and the economy.

Part of the reason why people of Boston can relate to him is because he does not come from a privileged background. Born and raised in Hyde Park he later went to UMass Boston. He has a very strong Boston accent and is often difficult to understand. It is not uncommon for him to mix up his words and say the wrong thing. This habit has earned him the nick name of "mumbles."

Though he is a generally popular Mayor, there are some controversial choices he has made that need to be noted. In 2008 Menino's administration was brought into question by the attorney general because they attempted to sell 200 acres of public parkland for development. In addition o this, his campaign strategies have also been questioned. Is is said that his allies make it near impossible for serious competitors to have work in the area, so they need to move away.

This brief introduction to this man has sparked a curiosity in me to pay attention to what he and his administration are currently doing in this city.

The Amazing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

I have recently started learning about the wonderful benefits of apple cider vinegar. Unrefined, cold pressed, organic apple cider vinegar can do some amazing things.

Topically it is great for acne. I have been applying this to my face daily and my skin is clearer than it has been in years.

It is also said to treat warts, and an apple cider vinegar bath soak is said to relieve the pain of a sun burn.

The next application I will be trying is an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. 1 tablespoon ACV mixed with one cup water rinsed through hair (after shampooing) is said to be a great conditioner that leaves hair shiny and more voluminous.

Drinking apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons each day, is said to do wonderful things for your health. It detoxes the body, balances your internal ph, assists in weight loss, helps with diabetes and with lowering blood pressure.

The trick to drinking it is, well, its not so yummy. One way I have tried drinking it is mixing it with warm water, raw organic honey and sometimes a cinnamon stick. This helps it to go down a little easier.

In addition to all of this, it can also be used around the house. In the dishwasher as a detergent, mixed with water in a spray bottle to clean surfaces in the house, and as a toilet rinse.

One simple item with the ability to do so much. I'm excited to incorporate apple cider vinegar into more areas of my life!