Econamici blog

Got Maggots? The Return of an Ancient Treatment for Non-healing Wounds

Like millions of other seniors, my husband Tom developed painful non-healing pressure wounds in his last months. Fortunately, as a childhood bug fanatic, I knew about an ancient treatment: maggots.
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That Time of Year

In November 2023, I brought Tom home from the locked sixth floor at 305 West End Avenue Assisted Living. I had for years coped at home with his growing dementia. Then came the November night in 2021 that he pushed his scarlet Nitro Rollator down the middle of Columbus Avenue,
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What to Do About Bad Landlords: Reflections from a Former New York City Landlord

When I married my late husband, I also married two small Upper West Side apartment buildings. I soon learned that landlording is hard, hands-on work. Many New York landlords notoriously abuse their tenants, neglect maintenance, or leave good sites vacant. This isn't capitalism, but the incompetence of owners who are
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Why I’m Supporting Micah Lasher for Congress

Like his mentor Jerry Nadler, Micah is a professional politician in the best sense: personally unpretentious, deeply concerned with advancing the public interest, skilled in designing legislation and organizing support to get it passed. In short, he is a true leader.
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Mamdani Needs to Catch the Value Capture Bus

Mamdani is already targeted by big real estate. He has nothing to lose from proposing a tax on properties near bus stops to cover the $800 million cost of free bus fares.
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I Got Scammed Three Times this Month (And I Thought I was Too Smart)

“(Fraud) Alert: Your Chase ATM/Debit card has been suspended. Please call 1-814-201-6859 to verify.” In a panic, I call the number from my landline...
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A Tomb for Tommy

Last month, little orange Tommy the canary began wheezing. Tears filled my eyes as I watched him tumble from his perch only to flutter up and fall again.
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You’re Invited to A New Year’s Eve Celebration of the Life of Tom Haines

Polly is sad to report that Tom died Sunday afternoon, December 17. For a week he refused food and water. Slowly he faded away until, like the Cheshire Cat, all that remained was his smile.
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Happy New Year 2024 (originally 12/16/23)

August 9, Tom blew out the candles on an oversized cupcake to celebrate his 90th. Two bouts of summer pneumonia have put him in hospice. Bedridden, on oxygen and with pressure sores, he dines on purees and thickened liquids. Just before Thanksgiving, Polly brought him home from 305 West End
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Thomas Haines, Biochemist Who Founded the CUNY Medical School, Dies at 90

He overcame a childhood in an orphanage and personal tragedies to found an innovative medical school to affordably educate minority and other disadvantaged students. In 2020, he was recognized for his achievement by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
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