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Exploring the High Line: Manhattan’s Elevated Oasis of Art and History

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Exploring the High Line: Manhattan’s Elevated Oasis of Art and History


Author: Victor Block
Published: 2025/03/13
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Travel America – Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis – Introduction – Main – Insights, Updates

Synopsis: Discover Manhattan’s High Line, a scenic, wheelchair-friendly park with art, history, and lush gardens, offering a peaceful and engaging experience for all.

Why it matters: Victor Block’s review of Manhattan’s High Line highlights its unique blend of history, art, and accessibility, making it an inviting destination for all, including seniors and those with disabilities. With eight accessible entrances, wheelchair rentals, and a ban on disruptive vehicles, the High Line offers a tranquil, immersive experience through striking architecture, lush gardens, and captivating public art. Block’s engaging narrative also unveils the park’s transformation from the dangerous “Death Avenue” railway to a vibrant urban escape, rich with cultural landmarks and interactive features for visitors of all ages. – Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

I recently was enjoying a leisurely trip along a path that leads through a treasure-trove of various architectural styles, museum-quality displays of art and floral plantings which would make any gardener proud.

Main Item

I was traversing the High Line, the elevated former railway which runs, 30 feet above street level, down the west side of Manhattan, New York. Along the way, it winds among a landscape of magnificent buildings that range from old to new, shabby to magnificent, uninspired to avant guard, and which serve industrial, commercial and residential purposes.

Eight of the entrances to the High Line are accessible by ramp or elevator. Wheelchairs, which are available for rent, and walkers are allowed to be used, and those who utilize them welcome the prohibition on bicycles, roller blades and scooters. Not only does that provide a welcoming environment, it greatly reduces what otherwise could become a bothersome noise level.

Given the beauty of the setting, many people are surprised to learn that the streets over which the High Line runs in the past was known by the less-than-appealing nickname of Death Avenue. For almost a century, trains of the New York Central Railroad plowed along Manhattan’s 10th and 11th Avenues crossing streets, interrupting traffic and maiming and killing pedestrians along the way. Those trains played in important role in feeding New Yorkers, delivering meat, groceries and dairy products.

A city ordinance passed in the 1850s stipulated that a person on horseback had to ride ahead of each train, waving a red flag and lantern to announce its approach, but the deaths continued. Finally, in 1929, the railroad reached an agreement to move the tracks above street level, the High Line opened in 1934 and it continued to carry train traffic until 1980.

Since then, the byway has served as a peaceful 1.5-mile linear park through which people walk, rest and admire the beauty surrounding them. The original tracks in places are punctuated by trees that have found them to be an unusual home for their roots.

From spring-to-fall, vibrant floral displays add to the scene. The names of some plants I spotted on identifying signs – Autumn Bride, Hairy Alumroot, Japanese Forest Grass – are as colorful as the blooms they describe.

Equally intriguing, and varied, are the neighborhoods through which the route leads, each of which has its own distinctive attractions. The Chelsea Arts District has been the city’s visual creation center for more than 130 years. It’s home to countless galleries that display a wide spectrum of works by both emerging and established artists.

Continued below image.

This image features a large, vibrant mural painted on the side of a building, depicting two famous artists - one with white hair and another with dark braided hair.
This image features a large, vibrant mural painted on the side of a building, depicting two famous artists – one with white hair and another with dark braided hair. Their faces are partly in grayscale, while sections are overlaid with colorful geometric patterns. The mural has a blue sky backdrop, and rocky formations frame the figures. Below them, there is a black dinosaur-like figure with a golden crown, reminiscent of the style of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The mural is located in an urban alleyway, partially obscured by tree branches and surrounding buildings – Image Credit: Victor Block.

Continued…

Artwork also adorns the Chelsea Market building, which stands where Algonquin Native Americans once traded freshly-killed game and crops. Later, the High Line trains serviced the wholesale butchers who sold their meat along the streets beneath the tracks, and the stripped-down brick building that housed them remains to tell the story of that time.

The IAC Building was designed by Frank Gehry, the world-famous architect known as a deconstructionist for his use of everyday materials to create complex, dynamic structures. It’s divided into vertical sections that resemble a ship’s sails, set against a facade which brings to mind an iceberg.

The imaginative architecture provides a fitting backdrop for the art that decorates some structures and is displayed along the High Line pathway. The surprisingly excellent, and eclectic, gathering of works scattered throughout the park transforms it into and a free outdoor gallery.

The sides of some buildings along the way serve as oversized painters’ palettes, exhibiting murals that cover a variety of genres and topics. One displays an oversized smiling mouth with pearl-like teeth. I came upon whimsical sculptures with names like Secondary Forest, Fossil Psychic Stone Mimicry and Birth of an Island.

Continued below image.

This image features a large, stylized sign in the shape of a red smiling mouth mounted on a white brick wall.
This image features a large, stylized sign in the shape of a red smiling mouth mounted on a white brick wall. The mouth has a black interior, and within it, there are multiple small, round, white bulbs arranged in a grid-like pattern, resembling teeth or decorative lights. The bright red lips contrast sharply against the white brick background, and the sign casts a distinct shadow on the wall due to sunlight. The overall design is a bold and playful artistic installation meant to attract attention.

Continued…

Speaking of an island, a welcome surprise to many traversing the High Line is a nearby park, visible from the train track path, which is set upon a man-made enclave. The elevated park is supported above the water of the Hudson River by 132 concrete pot-shaped structures called tulips. It offers walking paths, gentle hills, rolling lawns and a cornucopia of vegetation. That includes 35 species of trees, 65 kinds of shrubs and 270 different grasses and flowers that bloom at different times of the year. A “secret garden” is planted exclusively with white flora.

Adding to the allure is a surprisingly diverse list of other attractions which appeal to all ages. Visitors delight in the sounds of the Dance Chimes, are transfixed by the optical illusion of Spinning Discs located along the walkways and enjoy trying their hand at an Instrument for All. More active guests are delighted by the opportunity to roll around in a Spun Chair, or take their turn using a jump rope or hula hoop.

Rounding out the choice of things to do and see are a small stage, a large amphitheater which offers a selection of shows and two concession stands. An audio tour leads through the park and provides an immersion in the history of the island, the Hudson River waterfront and the nearby Meatpacking District.

Editorial Note: The High Line is more than just a repurposed railway – it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of thoughtful urban renewal. Victor Block’s journey along the High Line leaves you with a real sense of how this old rail line turned into something special – a testament to a city that doesn’t just bulldoze its past but reworks it into something worth seeing. It’s not every day you find a spot where industrial scars bloom into gardens and murals, all while keeping the doors wide open for everyone, from art lovers to folks who just need a flat path to roam. The High Line’s story, and Block’s knack for telling it, reminds us that the best places don’t shout – they invite you in, step by step, to see what’s been hiding in plain sight all along. For those seeking an accessible and enriching outdoor experience in New York, this park proves that a city’s past can be transformed into an inviting space for its future. – Disabled World (DW).

Victor Block Author Credentials: Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor’s Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors’s biography for further insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Victor Block. (2025, March 13). Exploring the High Line: Manhattan’s Elevated Oasis of Art and History. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved March 13, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/travel/usa/high-line.php

Permalink: <a href=”https://www.disabled-world.com/travel/usa/high-line.php”>Exploring the High Line: Manhattan’s Elevated Oasis of Art and History</a>: Discover Manhattan’s High Line, a scenic, wheelchair-friendly park with art, history, and lush gardens, offering a peaceful and engaging experience for all.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it’s important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.

High School Runner Who Struck Rival With Baton Faces Charge

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High School Runner Who Struck Rival With Baton Faces Charge


A high school runner is facing a criminal charge after striking and injuring another runner with a baton earlier this month.

During a 4×200-meter indoor relay race at the Virginia state championships in Lynchburg on March 4, Kaelen Tucker passed Alaila Everett, who then swung her arm, striking Ms. Tucker in the head with the baton.

Ms. Tucker brought a hand to her head, fell to the track and did not finish the race. Her family said that she had sustained a concussion.

Ms. Everett now faces a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery, said Bethany Harrison, the commonwealth attorney for the city of Lynchburg. Ms. Everett’s team, I.C. Norcom of Portsmouth, Va., was disqualified from the race.

What exactly happened, and why, is a matter of dispute.

Indoor track, and indoor relays in particular, can be rough. Limited space and fast athletes lead to jostling, collisions and falls. The 4×200 is the shortest and fastest relay event that is commonly run indoors, and the runners do not stay in their lanes, meaning they are in close quarters.

“As we got around the curve she kept bumping me in my arm and then finally when we got off the curve I, like, slowly started passing her, and then that’s when she just hit me with a baton, and I fell off the track,” Ms. Tucker told the local TV station WSLS.

“To see that they kept running, and she did not stop and check on my daughter, it couldn’t have been an accident,” her mother, Tamarrow Tucker, mother said on “Good Morning America.”

But Ms. Everett and her family disputed that she intentionally struck her fellow runner.

“She was so close to me that my baton kept hitting her,” Ms. Everett told the local station WAVY. “I lost my balance and then I pumped my arms again and she got hit. She was cutting in when it happened — she should have waited a little bit longer. But she cut in too quick. She was so close to me she got hit.”

“I would never hit somebody on purpose,” Ms. Everett said through tears.

Her father said he saw the incident as part of the rough and tumble of a relay. “When the young lady cut her off, my daughter couldn’t pump her arm; no control where your arms go,” Mr. Everett told WVEC. “She can only apologize on the news, and she’s done it already several times.”

Under track rules, runners can’t cut in front of the runners they pass until they are a stride length, or about six feet, in front. Vincent Pugh, a former athletic director for Portsmouth Public Schools, told WAVY that Ms. Tucker had not had that margin. He also said that he believed the video did not show that the baton strike had been intentional.

The families of Ms. Tucker and Ms. Everett did not respond to requests for further comment.

The moment in the race became a prominent episode on social media, drawing many comments, including from those who are not normally track fans. Some of those opinions were far from nuanced.

The local N.A.A.C.P. chapter said that the Everett family had been the target of racial slurs and death threats, and said of Ms. Everett that “she has carried herself with integrity both on and off the field, and any narrative that adjudicates her guilty of any criminal activity is a violation of her due process rights.”

Kitty Bennett contributed research for this article.

Alexa lost 58 pounds | Black Weight Loss Success

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Alexa lost 58 pounds | Black Weight Loss Success


Transformation of the Day: Alexa carried the weight of comparison for years, always seen as the “bigger” twin. Over the years, what started as a simple step toward self-love turned into a lifestyle transformation where she found a love for fitness. As life went on, childbirth came with challenges, and she shared with us how she overcame them. Now, 58 pounds lighter, she’s not just celebrating her transformation – she’s embracing the growth that came with it.

Alexa before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram & Tiktok: @bodiedbyalexa

Q&A

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I have always wanted to change the label that stuck with me since childhood. I was called the “fat one” in comparison to my twin.

How did you change your eating habits? I started being more mindful of my portion sizes and eating intuitively and not out of boredom. 

What is your workout routine? I started with walking ten steps daily and transitioned to strength training.

How often did you work out? I work out five times a week, Monday-Friday.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? I started at 208 pounds, and I am down to 150 pounds.

What is your height? I am 5’3″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started six weeks after I delivered my first baby, and it took me six months.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? No, I have not done any surgical procedures.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? The change begins with your mindset.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? (You have to believe you can do it, and you will) 

Weight Loss Transformation Story

My name is Alexandra, but friends call me Alexa. I am a 26-year-old mother of two, and I live in Houston, Texas. From an early age, I battled with being compared to my twin and being labeled the “fat one.” This affected my growing confidence even before I became a teenager, and I found myself feeling insecure as early as 11 years old.

I knew deep down I needed to change this label that seemed stuck to me. Years passed, and I lived with this misery for almost a decade until 2018, when I finally found the courage to start, not knowing where it would take me and really do it this time. I finally got it down, shed all the weight, and discovered how passionate I am about fitness because it changed my life. 

My love for fitness blossomed into a lifestyle that not only reshaped my body but also transformed my mindset as a whole. I often sought motivation before I committed to anything. Now, I am more disciplined, dedicated, and resilient. 

As I navigated the ups and downs of life, fitness emerged as my anchor. It instilled a sense of purpose and provided a healthy outlet for my stress and anxiety. Each workout became a mini celebration of my strength, pushing me to break barriers and exceed personal limits. (I found myself fully immersed in yoga and nailing head/handstands, which used to be a childhood dream). I learned to appreciate the journey, understanding that progress isn’t just about physical transformation. It’s also about mental clarity and emotional well-being.

I set out on a path to not just be good at it, but my goal is to achieve Greatness with it. At the beginning of 2019, I scraped my savings and invested in myself to become a Certified Fitness Coach. Not just because I wanted the certification but because I wanted to learn the actual science behind Fitness.

Alexa postpartum weight loss

Along the way, I found love, got married, and before we knew it, we were expecting our first child. Little did I know that postpartum would be a roller coaster of showing up for myself to find ME again. 

Despite my years of training, I felt like my body failed me, and I was almost unrecognizable. I battled with my mind to stop beating myself up and pick up the courage to fight this fight again and overcome it. At six months postpartum, I was happy and thrilled with my results. 

To all the moms who feel the same way I did, this is your reminder that you can find your way again. You have to start with believing it. 

Looking back today, I have just delivered my second child. I’m currently three months postpartum, and I feel amazing. I feel confident and blessed to have experienced the ups and downs of transitioning from a young woman to a mother to further strengthen my mind and abilities. I have learned so much along the way to help a new mom on her journey to discover her new self.




How to Cook with Kale: Delicious Recipes & Health Benefits

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How to Cook with Kale: Delicious Recipes & Health Benefits


Discover how to cook with kale and explore its numerous health benefits. From easy kale recipes to nutritional tips, learn how this superfood can boost your health and flavor your meals.

Kale is more than just a trendy superfood—it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse that can easily be incorporated into your everyday meals. Whether you’re adding it to soups, salads, smoothies, or cooking it as a side dish, kale is incredibly versatile and offers an array of nutrition and health benefits. In this guide, I’ll show you how to cook with kale, explore its incredible health benefits, and share some easy, delicious kale recipes to make the most of this leafy green. Get ready to transform your meals and boost your well-being with the power of kale!

It’s hard to believe that kale was once more common as a salad bar garnish than on the menu. No longer content as just a pretty face, kale is now recognized as a nutritional powerhouse! Kale is the epitome of “clean eating” in the form of kale chips and in green smoothies and juices, as well as a standard offering in farmers markets and CSAs, and even fine dining menus. I personally love this rugged vegetable’s flavor, versatility, and nutrition profile, and grow kale in my garden all year long. This green leafy vegetable falls in the cruciferous vegetable category (which includes cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, to name a few), known for its antioxidant activity.

Types of Kale

While there are many varieties of kale, there are three main types:

  • Curly kale has bright green curly leaves and is best known as a garnish.
  • Black kale has flat dark blue-green crinkled leaves, and includes Lacinato, Tuscan or dinosaur kale varieties.
  • Red kale has frilly leaves with red or purple stems and is often called Red Russian.
I love featuring kale in hearty bowls, such as this recipe for Brown Rice Chickpea Kale Salad.

Kale Nutrition

Kale is often considered one of the most nutritious vegetables available, and for good reason! One cup packs over 200% DV (Daily Value) of vitamin A, 134 percent DV of vitamin C, and six times the DV of vitamin K. And that’s not all! Here are some of its key nutritional benefits:

1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

  • Vitamin K: Kale is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which is essential for proper blood clotting and bone health.
  • Vitamin A: Thanks to its high beta-carotene content, kale is great for eye health, immune function, and skin health.
  • Vitamin C: Kale provides a significant amount of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, helps with collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): Important for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and overall tissue repair.
  • Calcium: Kale is a plant-based source of calcium, important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

2. High in Antioxidants

  • Kale contains powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which help fight oxidative stress and protect the body against chronic diseases.

3. Rich in Fiber

  • Kale is packed with dietary fiber, which helps support healthy digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote a feeling of fullness.
  • It also supports heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.

4. Supports Bone Health

  • In addition to calcium, kale contains magnesium and vitamin K, both of which are essential for maintaining strong bones. Vitamin K helps with calcium absorption and bone mineralization.

5. Low in Calories

  • Its high nutrient density makes it a great option for filling up while keeping calorie intake in check.

6. Promotes Heart Health

  • Kale contains potassium, which helps manage blood pressure and supports heart function.
  • The fiber and antioxidants in kale also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

7. Good Source of Iron

  • Kale is a good plant-based source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen through the blood and maintaining energy levels.
Tuscan Kale and White Bean Savory Pie

Cooking with Kale

Kale is so versatile! You can use it raw, blended, sautéed, or simmered in numerous recipes, from tofu scrambles and salads to smoothies and stews. Choose firm, deep green plants with moist, strong stems. The trick to taming raw kale’s bite and texture is to “massage” the leaves with vinaigrette by hand when you’re using it in salads.

Top 5 Ways to Cook with Kale

Try these top 5 tips for cooking with kale to plunge in!

Blood Orange Hazelnut Kale Salad

1. Toss Kale in Salads

Kale is a beautiful base for all manner of salads. Its pungent leaves mellow just right when massaged by hand with a vinaigrette made with flavorful olive oil, citrus juice or vinegar, and your favorite herbs and spices. Kale pairs well with numerous flavors, and its deep green color is stunning with so many salad stars, like persimmon, red grapes, pomegranate, or one of my absolute favorites—blood orange. Try my recipe for Blood Orange Hazelnut Kale Salad for a dish that tastes as gorgeous as it looks.

Turmeric Tofu Scramble with Greens
Sauté greens in your tofu scramble, such as this recipe for Turmeric Tofu Scramble with Greens.

2. Sauté Up Kale

Aren’t the simple recipes so often the best? There truly is nothing as quick to prep and pull together with basic pantry staples as a sauté. Kale is the go-to for this. Chop it up with a fine dice of onion and garlic, toss in any vegetables on hand, herbs, and a dash of spice, sauce it in a skillet, and you’re done! Sautéed kale makes a nice side dish, or mix in cooked rice, farro, or other whole grain or plant protein (such as tofu) for a satisfying main.

Tofu Kale Power Bowl with Tahini Dressing

3. Make it the Basis for Your Power Bowl

You’ve got a team player with this green. Kale enhances the flavor, texture, and beauty of so many ingredients, so it’s the perfect partner in bowls, which are fun orchestrations of vegetables, proteins, nuts and seeds, fruits—anything goes! I pair kale with some other fun ingredients in my Tofu Kale Power Bowl with Tahini Dressing.

Mediterranean Heirloom Bean Soup

4. Pair Kale with Proteins

Kale’s bite is the ideal foil for plant proteins—it’s simply synchronistic. I love to pair this rugged green with whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and soy-based tofu, tempeh, and seitan. Barley is an especially good pairing—I’ve done so in two of my favorite salads—Butternut Squash Kale Barley Salad and this cute on-the-go Mason Jar Salad: Chopped Kale and Barley Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette. Let your imagination go by cooking up the unexpected, like this Quinoa Kale Risotto with Pistachios, where quinoa plays a new role, while kale’s supporting role is equally impressive. And add kale to soups, such as this recipe for Mediterranean Heirloom Bean Soup.

Add kale to your favorite pesto recipe, such as this recipe for Basic Vegan Basil Pesto.

5. Prepare Pesto with Kale

Yes, pesto! Kale rises to this role, as well as any other leafy green, like spinach, cilantro, or carrot tops. Prepare kale pesto just as you would your go-to recipe, but be prepared to taste it along the way so you can adjust for its different flavor profile. Basically, grab your kale (you can still use some fresh basil, too), a couple garlic cloves, lemon juice, nut of choice, salt, pepper and olive oil and let the food processor do its magic. Try it with bruschetta, with pasta, like my Mushroom Bomb Lentil Pasta, and even on pizza.

Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
Vegan Kale Caesar Salad

Top 10 Kale Recipes

Discover even more ways to cook with kale with my top ten kale recipes, from my kitchen to yours.

Check out more of my plant 101 cooking guides, such as the following:

Can House Republicans Cut $880 Billion Without Slashing Medicaid? It’s Likely Impossible.

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Can House Republicans Cut $880 Billion Without Slashing Medicaid? It’s Likely Impossible.


The prospect of deep Medicaid cuts has become a flashpoint in Congress, with leaders of both parties accusing their counterparts of lying.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Feb. 27 that a Republican budget measure would “set in motion the largest cut to Medicaid in American history,” and that Republicans are hiding the consequences.

“The Republicans are lying to the American people about Medicaid,” Jeffries said. “I can’t say it any other way. Republicans are lying. Prove me wrong.”

Republicans said Democrats were distorting the Republican budget. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) said, “The word ‘Medicaid’ is not even in this bill.” House Speaker Mike Johnson said on CNN that Republicans don’t want to cut Medicaid, “and the Democrats have been lying about it.”

Republicans are looking for massive budget savings to meet their goal of fully extending President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. This is a separate process from Congress’ need to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running by March 14 or face a federal government shutdown.

Here’s what we know so far about potential Medicaid cuts.

The House GOP Budget Plan Seeks $880 Billion in Cuts

Medicaid serves about 1 in 5 Americans. The health care program for low-income people is paid for by the federal government and partly by states. Louisiana, home to Johnson and Scalise, has one of the highest state proportions of Medicaid enrollees.

The House Republican budget plan adopted Feb. 25 opens the door to slashing Medicaid, even though it doesn’t name the program. The plan directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to find ways to cut the deficit by at least $880 billion over the next decade.

The committee has jurisdiction over Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, in addition to much smaller programs. CHIP offers low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

Republicans ruled out cuts to Medicare, the health insurance program for seniors that leaders cut at their political peril. Medicare is about 15% of the federal budget, and Medicaid is about 8.6%.

When Medicare is set aside, Medicaid accounts for 93% of the funding under the committee’s jurisdiction, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found in a March 5 analysis. That means it is impossible for the committee to find enough cuts that don’t affect Medicaid.

“It’s a fantasy to imply that federal Medicaid assistance won’t be cut very deeply,” said Allison Orris, an expert on Medicaid policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank.

After Medicaid, the next-largest program under the committee’s jurisdiction is CHIP. Lawmakers don’t appear to be planning to wipe out CHIP, but even if they did, they would be only a “fraction of the way there,” said Joan Alker, an expert on Medicaid and CHIP at Georgetown University.

If Medicare cuts are off the table, the only way to achieve $880 billion in savings is through big Medicaid cuts, said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, the health policy research, polling, and news organization that includes KFF Health News.

Andy Schneider, a professor at Georgetown University who served in the Obama administration as a senior adviser at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said even if the committee eliminated all those “other” programs entirely it could achieve only $381 billion in savings — about 43% of the target.

“In short, if they don’t want to cut Medicaid [or CHIP], and they don’t want to cut Medicare, the goal of cutting $880 billion is impossible,” Schneider said.

The $880 billion cut is not a done deal. House Republicans were able to pass their budget package, but Senate Republicans are taking a different approach, without proposing such significant cuts.

Any finalized budget blueprint would need Senate Republicans’ buy-in. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is among Republicans who have spoken against potential cuts; he told HuffPost, “I would not do severe cuts to Medicaid.”

The numbers are starting points that may lead to negotiation among at least Republicans, said Joseph Antos, a health care expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “We are a long way from final legislation, so it’s not possible to predict how much any program will be cut,” he said.

“If the bill also includes extending the [Trump 2017] tax cuts, we are probably months away from seeing real language,” Antos said.

Once the House and Senate have reached an agreement on language and the resolution passes both chambers, the committees will work on detailed cuts. To enact such cuts, both chambers would need to approve a separate bill and receive Trump’s signature.

Why Eliminating Fraud Doesn’t Solve the Problem

Republican leaders have deflected concerns about Medicaid cuts by talking about a different target: Medicaid fraud.

“I’m not going to touch Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Now, we’re going to get fraud out of there,” Trump told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on March 9, in keeping with his campaign rhetoric that he would protect those programs.

At the same time, Trump on his Truth Social platform praised the House resolution that would make cuts highly likely: “The House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda, EVERYTHING, not just parts of it!”

Would eliminating fraud solve the Medicaid problem? No.

On CNN, Johnson said cutting fraud, waste, and abuse would result in “part of the savings to accomplish this mission.” He said the government loses $50 billion a year in Medicaid payments “just in fraud alone.”

Johnson conflated “fraud” with “improper payments.” The Government Accountability Office, the nonpartisan investigative arm that examines the use of public funds, found about $50 billion in improper payments in Medicaid and the same amount in Medicare in fiscal 2023.

Those improper payments were made in an incorrect amount (overpayment or underpayment), should not have been made at all, or had missing or insufficient documentation. But that doesn’t mean that there was $50 billion in Medicaid fraud, which would involve obtaining something through willful misrepresentation.

The system used to identify improper payments is not designed to measure fraud, so we don’t know what percentage of improper payments were losses due to fraud, said Schneider, the former Obama administration health adviser.

Plus, it’s a drop in the overall bucket of the potential $880 billion in cuts.

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High Fat Diets and Memory Loss Linked In New Study

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High Fat Diets and Memory Loss Linked In New Study


You probably already know that a high fat diet can lead to a host of physical problems, but did you know that it can lead to memory impairment as we age? A new study from Ohio State University has found that just three days on a high fat diet could crush your cognitive ability if you are a senior. Here’s the (not so) skinny.

A high fat diet is known to cause metabolic changes, and we know that obesity leads to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, but even relatively healthy older individuals could suffer memory impairment after just three days on a diet consisting of 60% fat if a trial involving rats is anything to go by, and it usually is.

How Was the High Fat Study Carried Out?

Researchers fed groups of young and old rats with a high fat diet for terms lasting between three days to three months. They then compared the results with the groups that had been eating a lower fat diet.

Person eating an unhealthy fast food burger thats considered part of high fat diet
Ground Picture/Shutterstock

What Were the Results of the High Fat Diet Study?

The scientists found that independent of age, all of the rats on the 60% fat diets took on gut inflammation and metabolic problems after three months, but the older rats performed poorly on memory tests and showed concerning inflammation levels in the brain too. Alarmingly, these mental side-effects were noticeable after just three days, although they were not present in the younger rats, meaning that as we age, a high fat diet could be more problematic to our cognitive health.

For reference, a McDonald’s Double Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a Burger King Double Whopper with Cheese both consist of 60% fat.

The two types of memory that showed rapid decline on the high fat diets were contextual memory and cued-fear memory. Both of these are associated with dementia. “A departure from baseline inflammatory markers is a negative response and has been shown to impair learning and memory functions,” said Ruth Barrientos, who is an investigator in the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at The Ohio State University.

“These diets lead to obesity-related changes in both young and old animals, yet young animals appear more resilient to the high-fat diet’s effects on memory. We think it is likely due to their ability to activate compensatory anti-inflammatory responses, which the aged animals lack.”

In terms of humans, more work needs to be done to determine what age is high risk on a high fat diet as far as our memory is concerned, but since we already know that excessive fat intake is linked to poor health outcomes, the effects that it has on our brain is another reason to re-balance our diets. And, with this emerging knowledge, we may be able to improve our mental performance as we age by reducing a reliance on fast or fatty foods. It’s certainly food for thought.

Black Bean Tacos Recipe – Love and Lemons

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Black Bean Tacos Recipe – Love and Lemons


Need an easy, flavorful dinner idea? Try these black bean tacos! They’re topped with tangy pickled cabbage and a delicious cilantro lime sauce.


Black bean tacos


These black bean tacos are a really easy, SUPER flavorful dinner. They’re packed with a delicious combination of simple ingredients: black beans, pickled cabbage, cilantro, jalapeños, and Cotija cheese. A hefty drizzle of my cilantro lime crema takes them over the top.

I love the balance of textures and flavors here. These black bean tacos are creamy AND crunchy, earthy AND bright. The component that really makes them pop is the pickled cabbage. It adds a burst of sweet, tangy flavor that, if you’re me, will keep you piling on more and more.

I recommend prepping the pickled cabbage ahead. It’s super quick to make, but the flavor gets better and better as it sits in the fridge. Once you have it on hand, throwing together this black bean taco recipe on a weeknight is a breeze. I hope you love it as much as I do!


Black bean tacos ingredients


Black Bean Tacos Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

  • Black beans, of course! Because I generally make these tacos on weeknights, I tend to use canned beans in them. That said, you can totally cook dried beans from scratch if you want to! For instructions, check out my Instant Pot black beans recipe or my guide to how to cook black beans on the stovetop.
  • White onion, garlic, and diced jalapeño – You’ll sauté them to add fresh, savory flavor to the beans.
  • Avocado oil – For cooking the beans and veggies. Feel free to use another neutral oil or olive oil if you prefer!
  • Taco seasoning – Use store-bought, or mix up your own using my taco seasoning recipe. I also like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, but you can skip it if you’re sensitive to spice.
  • Fresh lime juice – It gives the beans a bright, zesty kick.
  • Tortillas – Any kind you like! 100% corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option. My homemade flour tortillas would be delicious here too!
  • Pickled cabbage – The real star of these easy black bean tacos! Feel free to make it with red or green cabbage. Prep it at least 2 hours in advance.
  • Cilantro lime crema – This creamy, zesty sauce is easy to whiz together in the food processor. Get ahead by making it up to 3 days in advance.
  • And fun fixings like cilantro, jalapeños, and Cotija cheese. These fresh, flavorful toppings really make the tacos pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.


Sautéing onion and jalapeno with spices


How to Cook the Black Beans

I’ve made plenty of vegetarian tacos where I’ve added black beans straight from the can.

That’s not what we’re doing here.

Instead, the beans are lightly refried, cooked with aromatic veggies, spices, and a little bean cooking liquid to make a creamy, flavorful taco filling.

It only takes a few minutes! Here’s how I do it:

  • First, DON’T drain the beans! Measure 1/2 cup of the liquid in the can (or the bean cooking liquid, if you cooked your beans from scratch). Set it aside before you drain and rinse the beans.
  • Next, sauté the aromatics. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Season with salt and cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and cayenne and cook for another minute.
  • Then, add the beans and 1/4 cup of the reserved bean liquid. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are totally soft and the black bean mixture is thick. If the pan becomes too dry, add the remaining bean liquid.
  • Finally, mash some of the beans to make the black bean filling lightly creamy.

Stir in the lime juice and season to taste before assembling the tacos!


Cooking black beans in skillet with onions, jalapenos, and spices


Black Bean Tacos Variations

This recipe is delicious as written, but it’s also super flexible. Feel free to change it up! Here are a few variations to get you started:

  • Make pinto bean tacos by replacing the black beans with pintos.
  • Add a roasted veggie like roasted sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower, or roasted butternut squash.
  • Use pickled red onions instead of pickled cabbage.
  • Make a quick cabbage slaw with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of oil, fresh lime juice, and salt if you haven’t prepped the pickled cabbage ahead.
  • Or swap the sauce. This avocado sauce would be fantastic, and my chipotle sauce would be delicious too. In a pinch, simply top the tacos with a scoop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice!

Let me know what variations you try!


Black bean tacos recipe


Serving Suggestions

We often enjoy these tacos for dinner on their own. But if you’re craving a larger meal, you have plenty of side dish options! They’d pair perfectly with any of these recipes:

Don’t forget the margaritas to drink!

Black Bean Tacos

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves 3 to 4

These black bean tacos are an easy, delicious dinner! To make them quick to assemble on a weeknight, prep the pickled cabbage and cilantro lime crema in advance. The cabbage keeps well for 2 weeks in the fridge, and the crema keeps for 5 days. If you like, you could even make the beans ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prevent your screen from going dark

  • Heat the avocado oil in a medium pot or large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapeño, garlic, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until softened.

  • Stir in the taco seasoning and cayenne, if using, and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and ¼ cup of the reserved bean liquid and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are totally soft and the mixture is thick. If the pan becomes dry, add the remaining ¼ cup bean liquid.

  • Mash some of the beans with the back of a wooden spoon to make the mixture lightly creamy. Stir in the lime juice and season to taste.

  • Assemble tacos in the tortillas with the beans, pickled cabbage, crema, Cotija cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro.

*To make this recipe vegan, skip the cheese and replace the crema with guacamole or this avocado sauce made with vegan mayo.

Nancy Stanley and the Art of Running – iRunFar

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Nancy Stanley and the Art of Running – iRunFar


I met Nancy Stanley when I was running the 2022 Hardrock 100. She walked out of the Ouray aid station with me in the pouring rain, and I loved that not knowing me, she took that moment to say hello! Nancy I consider one of those old souls who — despite being younger than me — I look up to so much.

She runs long distances, has traveled the world, and works as an emergency medical technician — currently studying to be a paramedic — on the local ambulance here where she and I live in Silverton, Colorado. What more?! She’s an amazingly talented artist, putting herself out there and hustling her makings alongside work, school, and training. So, without further ado, here’s Nancy. Also check out her Instagram and Etsy shop if you’re in need of some fun, creative work in your life!

Nancy Stanley - on a run

Nancy Stanley on a run. All photos courtesy of Nancy Stanley.

When/where/how did it all start — making art and running long distances?

I have been drawing since I was a kid, but started painting on longer runs during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself wanting to break up a run by making something, especially based on what I had been thinking about on the run.

Tell us about your first 100-mile experience. I like this story!

I was lucky enough to pace my friend Brandon Worthington (an incredible runner and person) at the Cocodona 250 Mile, where I decided to make it my first 100 miler. It was atypical, and it was perfect. I really enjoy the adventure that pacing offers, it’s almost better than racing for me.

What attracted you to painting?

Painting specifically is a stubborn medium, in my opinion. Acrylic paints allow layering, whereas watercolors are thinner but adaptable after drying. I enjoy the versatility of each kind of paint. It’s fun to continually reinvent yourself depending on the medium — your style in a different paint is a different style.

Nancy Stanley - mountains painting

Are there any artists or athletes who have influenced and inspired you?

I have been awestruck by San Juan County locals. The gentle propensity for philanthropy and well-roundedness is very apparent, working in Silverton. The local explorers in this area walk and play in quiet ways, and nothing is more powerful than intentionality.

I enjoy Beau Miles. The first video of his that I saw was one where he went on a 13-mile jaunt with a wheelbarrow to dig up and deliver a boulder his friend had broken his foot on. Seeing how he perceived ultrarunning as connective instead of goal-based was revolutionary for me. He thinks of genius ways to get outside and shift how seriously we take the sport.

All of the folks at Footprints Running are doing incredible work using their voices in running for good pertaining to the environment, which I have immense respect for.

As far as artists, I am a sucker for Renaissance art — many stories in one painting.

What’s the relationship between art and running/being outside for you?

The “so what” of running always comes up — running is a selfish thing. We all like running, have the time and resources to run a lot … so what? Storytelling and using notoriety to try to do good for the environment is a powerful answer. How we interact with our environment matters. How we make discussions with others who may interact or understand differently matters.

Making art while I am outside has come to be a practice to remember why I started running in the first place. I began running more when I needed to get outside when getting my Ethics and Politics degree. I felt overwhelmed, and though the run itself helped significantly, I was left with a “so what?” feeling.

To me, the career pivot away from humanities and urban living was eased by creating and doing. Sometimes, stopping to smell the flowers by painting one is a great way to remember what really matters. And one thing is for sure: taking care of yourself, and the ideas you give energy to and perpetuate, matters.

Nancy Stanley - bear painting

As a young creative, how do you keep motivation flowing? And likewise, what’s the impetus behind your running?

Motivation ebbs and flows, like most things. Lately, I am inspired by the changing of the seasons, as well as the people I interact with at work. Usually, what gets me on the easel is an itch to describe something wordless. Just as equally, running feels like an itch. Both are like airing out the laundry after being saturated by a full day.

How has landscape informed your art and your running?

The landscape is good at telling us what to do. As distraught as modern politics can make me, I know nature will be there to offer gestures of guidance.

You also work as an emergency medical technician — studying to be a paramedic — for Silverton Medical Rescue and previously as a wilderness therapy guide. How has running and art helped you in those roles?

Oh man, who would I be without running and art? I think those outlets help me process and make things much more sustainable. Silverton Medical Rescue is unique, because it’s one of the only combined search and rescue and ambulance operations in the country — and, on top of that, we operate in San Juan County, a truly wild and dangerous place. Every shift is a new story.

Emergency medical services are about being there for people on, likely, the worst days of their lives. Wilderness therapy was very similar. Without creativity and movement, their stories would be stagnant. The least I can do is try to transform that grief into something else — an adventure to see my friend the next town over on a hard day, a journey to clean up barbed wire where it shouldn’t be, a ski tour to paint a place I’ve only known well in the summer, or from a hard call. If we heal ourselves, we can see each other, and that’s what’s going to make all of this sustainable.

People die from doing what they love in nature. Last year, I gave a talk about mountain runner safety during the Hardrock 100, to make more of a discussion on planning long days responsibly, and what tends to go wrong. We plan for safety in ski touring, but there’s no known structure for what that looks like for running, because we assume that we can run out of any problem.

If you could give any advice to the struggling artist or aspiring ultrarunner, what would you say?

Thinking through it won’t make it any easier! Sometimes you just have to start. Having softness — like walking when you need to — is the best way to get into ultrarunning. Same goes for making art: draw a doodle, and that’s enough. Start somewhere.

Nancy Stanley - mountain lion

Any art projects or run/outdoor projects you’re excited about now?

I’ve been having a good time making silly stickers.

I am excited to continue to bring a painting setup with me when I backcountry ski, backpack, or run. Nothing like carrying it obligates you to use it!

And last (very random) question that I ask everyone, if you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

I would be a banyan tree — a fig that develops accessory trunks from adjacent prop roots, allowing the tree to spread outwards indefinitely. I enjoyed hanging out near them during my time in India.

Call for Comments

  • Are you familiar with Nancy Stanley and her work?
  • What other artist-runners would you like to see featured in this column?



Top 5 Most possessive zodiac in relationships

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Top 5 Most possessive zodiac in relationships


Top 5 Most Possessive Zodiac Signs in Relationships

♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21), Possessiveness Level: Extremely High

Scorpio is widely recognized as the most possessive zodiac sign in relationships. Governed by Pluto, the planet of power and transformation, Scorpios are deeply passionate and intense lovers. Their desire to maintain control over their partner often leads to possessiveness. They may become jealous or suspicious when their partner interacts with others, as they fear losing the one they love.

Why Are Scorpios Possessive?

  • They have a deep fear of betrayal.
  • Scorpios are highly passionate and attached to their partners.
  • They value loyalty and expect the same from their partner.

♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20), Possessiveness Level: High

Taurus, ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, craves stability in relationships. Their strong desire for security often makes them possessive and territorial. When a Taurus falls in love, they consider their partner as their prized possession, which can sometimes lead to controlling behavior.

Why Are Taurus Possessive?

  • They fear instability or losing their loved one.
  • Taurus seeks a lifelong commitment.
  • They value routine and consistency.

MAN v FAT launches dual sport club in Nottingham

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MAN v FAT launches dual sport club in Nottingham


MAN v FAT is breaking new ground with the launch of our first-ever joint Rugby and Football club, now up and running in Nottingham.

This opportunity allows men to take part in either sport on the same night, at the same time, in a supportive and community-driven environment.

As part of our ongoing mission to provide accessible and engaging weight-loss opportunities for men, the MAN v FAT Nottingham South club offers participants the chance to choose between rugby or football while still benefiting from the camaraderie, accountability, and structured support that MAN v FAT is known for.

A Game-Changing Initiative for Nottingham

Nottingham has long been a home for passionate sports fans, with a host of professional and amateur sport played across the city. We’re thrilled to bring this first-of-its-kind club to the city with our weight loss and wellbeing focus acting as an opportunity for men of all ages to get back into regular physical activity.

Whether you’re more at home on the pitch with a rugby ball in hand or prefer the beautiful game of football, you now have the opportunity to take part in a sport that suits you—while working towards your fitness and weight-loss goals.

What makes this club even more exciting is that both rugby and football sessions run simultaneously on the same evening, meaning friends and teammates can enjoy the experience together, regardless of their sport of choice. This inclusive approach fosters a strong sense of community, allowing men to stay active in a way that works best for them.

Support Through Thriving Nottingham

To make this opportunity even more accessible, Nottingham City residents can receive funding for their first 14 weeks at either the rugby or football club, thanks to our partnership with Thriving Nottingham. This funding ensures that cost is not a barrier for those looking to make a positive change in their health and wellbeing.

If you’ve been considering joining MAN v FAT but weren’t sure whether football or rugby was the right fit for you—this is your chance to get involved and give it a go. With expert coaching, a welcoming atmosphere, and a focus on community, there’s no better time to take that first step.

How to Get Involved

Are you ready to be part of this exciting new club? Whether you want to lace up your boots for football or take to the field for rugby, MAN v FAT Nottingham has a place for you.

For more details and to sign up, visit either our Football or Rugby sites for more information!

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