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I have been married three times, and I would like to think that makes me equipped to tell the difference between love and lust. Most of us realise we are in love in the most unromantic of situations. For me, it was when I was heavily pregnant, had severe vertigo and had just vomited in the doctors surgery.

Ive wet myself, I announced a few minutes later, mortified and weeping in the passenger seat of my husbands prized black VW Golf, convinced he was ready to jump ship.

Its OK, darling, he whispered, leaning over to buckle my belly into the seat. In that moment, I knew that this really was love. It wasnt that I didnt think I loved him before, but age had altered the way I felt about things. I had said it to someone else before, and it hadnt worked out, and I wondered what that elusive glue was that kept couples happy together for ever.

I was 39, and he was 48. We had been together for three years, marrying seven months after wed met. We had both been in relationships that had changed us. They had shaped us into people who could build a life together.

My husband and I come from similar backgrounds: our mothers were both raised in Karachi and we grew up speaking English and Urdu, navigating what it meant to be of Pakistani heritage in Britain, and Muslim. Despite these similarities, we chose different ends of the spectrum of life as our starting points He went backpacking across the globe in his 20s; I got married.

He used to describe himself as a liberal libertarian, open to all the experiences of life. I was an uptight, conservative Muslim woman, who was once nicknamed the runaway bride because I had left two arranged marriages. He spent his life avoiding girls like me, and if wed met earlier it would never have worked. Ironically, it was the very things that I thought would put someone off me that he had liked: I had a juicy past, I had lived on the edges of acceptability, albeit reluctantly, and I had nothing to hide.

I often ask him what made him pursue me. I fancied you, he says. It never fails to raise a smile, because who doesnt want to be lusted after? I never knew how nice it would be to be with someone who speaks Urdu, he once added, thoughtfully.

Esther Perel, the author of Mating in Captivity says, Love is a vessel that contains both security and adventure. For my husband and me, our diversity of thought brings the adventure, and the familiarity of our experiences offers security. It has been the bridge between lust and love.

Single friends ask how I knew I could trust that it would be different this time, how I knew that he was the one; the answer is that I didnt. I just knew what I wanted my life to look like, and I could see he wanted the same, and that was what made it worth taking the risk. So, I made myself vulnerable. Life had taught me that whatever happened, I would handle it.

It is always in the most ordinary moments that I have felt extraordinary love for my husband. Like the Valentines Day after our first child was born, when I was breastfeeding in bed, exhausted from motherhood. He brought me a cup of tea and a packet of cheese-and-onion crisps my favourite. I cried. It was confirmation that he knew me, the tiny things about me, like the way I take my tea, or the fact that I dont like sultanas in scones, or the kind of things I watch on TV.

My Nani used to say that it takes 20 years to fall in love, and I would laugh at her practicality, teasing her about whether she had ever really loved her husband, since she had become a widow at 35. But she always smiled when she spoke of my grandfather. Her marriage had been arranged when she was 18, so there hadnt been a long courtship.

I now understand that she was teaching me about true love, that it grows with the years of incremental kindness. Its a lesson I am reminded of every time my husband hands me a cup of tea at the end of a long day.

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Three marriages have taught me what true love looks like a cup of tea and some cheese and onion crisps - The Guardian

By Zoe Han

An overly consolidated market and lack of support for breastfeeding moms are some of the factors contributing to the formula shortage, experts said.

What can be done to prevent shortages of baby formula, tampons and other consumer products?

The U.S. Senate's Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee held a hearing this week to look at the baby-formula market in the U.S., and broader issue of supply-chain issues.

A national infant formula shortage has forced some desperate parents to drive long hours and scour stores and websites to find a formula for their babies. For the seven days ending May 29, 73% of baby formula products nationwide were out of stock, according to Datasembly, a retail-tracking group. And in some states such as California and Georgia, the out-of-stock rates were at more than 90%.

Baby formula isn't the only product vulnerable to sudden shortages; many industries are overly consolidated and overly reliant on a few big players, said one expert at the hearing.

"There are dozens, if not hundreds, of industries that would result in effects that would be far more devastating than what we've seen here," Barry Lynn, executive director of the liberal think tank Open Markets Institute in Washington, D.C., told the Senate hearing of the baby-formula supply-chain shortage.

One example: more than 95% of ingredients in generic drugs come from China, and their supply could easily be disrupted by diplomatic issues between the U.S. and China, Lynn said.

Baby formula stock was already running low before Abbott Laboratories, which controls 40% of the formula market, closed a Michigan manufacturing facility in February. As such, experts say the infant formula shortage was a storm waiting to happen. For decades, the U.S. infant formula market has been controlled by just a few major players.

Heavy tariffs and strict labeling regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have made it difficult for other players to enter the market, analysts say. In fact, the onerous process to become a baby-formula manufacturer in the U.S. has resulted in only one new manufacturer successfully registering with FDA in the past 15 years, said Scott Lincicome, director of general economics and trade at the libertarian think tank Cato Institute, at the hearing.

"Today's producer concentration and any resulting problems are primarily the result of federal government policy, not any sort of natural, private-market failure," Lincicome told the hearing.

"I'm really frustrated," said Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, at the hearing. "Four companies have gained control over the formula market through acquisitions. It leads to a lack of innovation and leads to a lack of resiliency and a consolidated market."

Abbott (ABT), Mead Johnson Nutrition (owned by Reckitt ), Perrigo (PRGO), and Nestl USA (NESN.EB) are the four major players in the baby-formula market in the U.S. The Biden administration invoked the Defense Production Act on May 18 to speed up formula production and import formula from abroad for additional supply.

Abbot, Mead Johnson Nutrition and Nestl USA did not respond immediately to a request for comment. A Perrigo spokesman said the company's products constitute about 8% of the total infant formula market. "The Company is doing everything possible to provide as much infant formula to its retail partners during this challenging time," the spokesman told MarketWatch. "During the three months ending March 31, 2022, we shipped 37% more formula vs. the same period last year."

While U.S. businesses and consumers have encountered numerous shortages due to supply chain disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, infant formula is different from industries such as semiconductors and automobiles: Just 2% of baby formula products are imported into the U.S.

Tariffs on infant formula range can be as high as to 17.5%.

"Supply, diversity, economic openness [and] low trade barriers really does help in terms of having a better, more stable market," Lincicome said.

At the same time, increasing infrastructure support for breastfeeding would help to alleviate the weight of the demand for infant formula, Ginger Carney, director of clinical nutrition at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., told the Senate hearing.

Carney said breast milk is the optimal choice for infant nutrition, but not all mothers are able to support their babies this way. Many mothers set out to breastfeed but have problems doing it, either because of a lack of educational support or other road blocks, such as going back to work.

"Many mothers may start out breastfeeding, and then they breastfeed for a few weeks for as long as they have maternity leave," Carney said. "And I've noticed a huge drop once mothers have to return to work."

Most employers and workplaces don't provide mothers with a private, clean place for mothers to pump their milk, Carney said, and mothers may feel embarrassed or concerned about retaliation if they take breaks during work to pump. Lower-wage mothers can be subjected to discrimination, Carney said.

It's also a logistical challenge; breast milk must be refrigerated and stored in special storage bags or clean, food-grade containers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moms who want to pump at work and transport the milk back to their babies need to have all of this equipment with them, as well as a place to plug in the breast pump and keep the milk cool.

Carney used the example of a new mother working at a fast-food outlet. "What are you going to do if you gotta go take a break and say, 'Oh, watch the window. I've gotta go to pump my milk?' They're just not able to do that. It's just not accepted as the norm," Carney said.

-Zoe Han

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-19-22 1340ET

Link:
'4 companies have gained control over the formula market': Lawmakers and women's health advocates debate solutions to baby-formula shortage -...

"I think that the [Libertarian Party's] emphasis should be on getting us back to our roots as a country," says Justin Amash. "What this country is about is liberalism in the classical sense, the idea that people should be freeto make their own decisions about their lives, and government to the extent possible should just stay out of it."

Amash was a Republican congressman from Michigan once described by Politico as the House's "new Ron Paul" because of his willingness to buck party-line votes on principle. He switched his party affiliation to Libertarian in his fifth and final term, making him the party's highest officeholder since its founding in 1971. He explored a run for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination in 2020 before changing his mind, paving the way for a run by longtime Libertarian Party member Jo Jorgensen.

Amash was in Reno, Nevada, during the Mises Caucus takeover of the Libertarian Party. He is not a member of the caucus but plans to remain in the party.

Reason's Nick Gillespiesat down with Amash in Reno to ask him about his views of the Mises Caucus, his vision for the future of the party, and his political ambitions for 2024 and beyond.

Produced by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller; edited by Adam Czarnecki and Danielle Thompson; camera by James Marsh and Weissmueller; sound editing by John Osterhoudt; additional graphics by Regan Taylor and Isaac Reese.

Read more:
'We Believe in Human Cooperation:' Justin Amash's Vision for the Libertarian Party - Reason

Republicans invited, but decline to attend

On Tuesday, June 28, Tom McDermott (candidate for U.S. Senate), Jeannine Lee Lake (candidate for Indianas Fifth Congressional District), Jocelyn Vare (candidate for Indiana Senate District 31), Victoria Garcia Wilburn (candidate for Indiana House District 32), and the Libertarian Party of Indiana will continue the 2022 Town Hall Series, an effort by the Indiana Democratic Party to hear from all voters about the top issues facing Hoosier families ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

The nonpartisan town hall will start at 6 p.m. in the Fishers branch of Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Drive.

Invitations have been extended to representatives of not only the Democratic Party, but also Republican and Libertarian candidates and elected officials, to participate in the town hall. This event is one of many across the state, and its purpose is simple: Lets talk.

Indiana Democrats say they have a plan to address the kitchen-table issues that are important to voters, from inflation and public safety to education and affordable healthcare. Candidates and elected officials will answer as many questions as possible during a 90-minute session, and the hope is that all political parties will join the conversation.

As of press time, Indiana Republicans have declined to attend. For the sake of constituents, Indiana Democrats continue to ask for their participation and hope for their involvement.

This is the third statewide tour where the Indiana Democratic Party has made a stop in Hamilton County since Dayna Colbert began her tenure as Chair for the county party last March, and she says she hopes to see more citizen participation.

Colbert

In Hamilton County, we believe our residents have more common interests than they have political differences, Colbert said. We also feel strongly that transparency and open communication are vital in empowering citizens to become active participants in their own democracy. While it may not be typical, we felt it was imperative for voters to hear from all major political parties, especially during this election season.

Colbert says its important for all parties to engage with voters in an open, civil forum.

Wed like to see Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians alike come together, ask the hard questions, and better understand the legislative landscape and how it will impact their lives, Colbert said. Ultimately, we hope it forms new constituent relationships that continue long after this town hall concludes. Although the Indiana General Assemblys supermajority has brought about even more redistricting, which has made races harder to win and fractured many constituencies, we want to do what we can to ensure that citizens and the press have access to their elected officials. This is our duty.

Recently, the Indiana Democratic Party has held nearly 100 events in more than 60 counties to share how they say President Joe Biden and leaders like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have delivered for the Hoosier State.

From creating jobs, expanding broadband, funding Indianas public schools, and revitalizing the states many infrastructure systems, Democrats say they are working to solve the kitchen-table issues that are important to voters despite the opposition and that they have a plan to create a better tomorrow for families. They say this dialogue will be key in bringing balance back to the statehouse.

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Democrats, Libertarians to hold town hall in Fishers Hamilton County Reporter - ReadTheReporter.com

Who are on the ballots for the Democrat and Republican primary runoff elections on Tuesday June 21? Where do I vote? When can I vote?

Heres a quick guide to help you find the information you need to answer those questions and links to information about some of the statewide candidates and one congressional runoff (5th District).

Who to cast your ballot for is your call.

When are polls open: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

How do I find out where Im supposed to vote?: Go to this site through the Alabama Secretary of States Office if you are unsure.

Absentee ballots: The deadline to request an absentee ballot has already passed, but if you have one already, June 17 is the last day to return absentee ballots by hand to the Absentee Election Manager in your county. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on Tuesday, June 21 (runoff day).

Voters eligible to vote pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act have until June 21, 2022 to postmark an absentee ballot.

Who and what are on the ballots? Here is a link to runoff ballots around the state.

The vote in the June 21 runoff will determine who will represent each party in the Nov. 8 General Election for scores of local and statewide offices. Those in the runoff did not garner more than 50 percent of the vote in fields of three or more candidates during the May 24 primary.

Go here for AL.coms complete coverage of Election 2022.

Here are the six statewide races with runoffs:

U.S. Senate

The Alabama U.S. Senate race will determine who will replace retiring longtime Sen. Richard Shelby.

Katie Britt, Shelbys former Chief of Staff who also served as CEO of the Business Council, led U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville in a six-candidate race on May 24. She got 44.75% to Brooks 29.15%.

The winner of the Britt and Brooks runoff will represent the Republican Primary in the November General election, facing Democrat Will Boyd, who is a pastor, and the Libertarian candidate, John Sophocleus, a former Auburn University professor.

Governor

In the Democratic Primary for Alabama governor retired educator Yolanda Flowers, of Birmingham, will face state senator and attorney Malika Sanders Fortier of Selma. Flowers got 33.87% of the vote in the May 24 primary and Fortier got 32.52% in a crowded field.

The winner will face Republican incumbent Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who won the May 24 GOP primary race without the need for a runoff against a field of eight opponents, and Libertarian candidate Dr. James Jimmy Blake, a former member of Birmingham City Council.

Secretary of State: Republican candidates State Rep. Wes Allen of Troy, and State Auditor Jim Zeigler will face off in the runoff. Zeigler got 42.69% of the vote in the May 24 primary and Allen got 39.7%. The winner of the Republican Primary faces Democrat Pamela J. Laffitte, and Libertarian candidate Jason Matt Shelby.

The winner will replace Secretary of State John Merrill, who could not run again due to term limits.

State auditor: Jefferson County pastor Stan Cooke and state representative and business owner Andrew Sorrell of Muscle Shoals will face off in the runoff. Sorrell got 39.46% of the vote in the May primary and Cooke 32.79%. The winner of the runoff will face Libertarian candidate Leigh LaChine in the Nov. 8 General election. No Democrats ran for this office.

The winner will replace State Auditor Jim Zeigler, who is term-limited and is running for Secretary of State.

Public Service Commission Place 1: Commissioner Jeremy Oden, who is seeking another term, will face former state and federal prosecutor Brent Woodall in the Republican Primary. Oden got 34.3% of the vote in the May primary and Woodall got 30.9%. The winner will face Libertarian Ron Bishop in the Nov. 8 General Election. No Democrats are running for this seat.

Public Service Commission Place 2: Commissioner Chip Beeker, who is running for another term, will face Robert L. McCollum in the Republican Primary. Beeker got 43.1% of the vote in the May primary while McCollum got 35.84%. The winner will face Libertarian candidate Laura Lane in the Nov. 8 General Election. No Democrats entered the race.

5th Congressional District (for voters in Huntsville/north Alabama)

Madison County Commission Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong will face former Huntsville City Schools Superintendent and former Assistant Army Secretary Casey Wardynski in the June 21 runoff for the seat being vacated by Rep. Mo Brooks, who is running for U.S. Senate.

In the primary last month, Strong won 45% of the vote in a six-candidate field while Wardynski was second with 23%. The winner will face Democrat Kathy Warner-Stanton and Libertarian Phillip PJ Greer in the Nov. 8 General Election.

More here:
Election 2022: Where, when to vote in Alabama primary runoffs, sample ballots, and more - AL.com