[Lisa Jones]

What happened to Chicago area mobsters. I heard many mobsters in Chicago are in the waste management and construction business. I remember a nice gentleman by the name of Peter DiFronzo who was the owner of D&P Construction in Melrose Park, Illinois, a waste management company. His residence was South Barrington, Illinois. His brother was John No Nose Difronzo.

[Lisa Jones]

Bad credit should not deter you from buying a house. Mortgage lenders like Gustan Cho Associates have no lender overlays on government and conventional loans. 80% of Gustan Cho Associates borrowers are folks who could not qualify at other lenders.

https://gcamortgage.com/buying-a-home-with-bad-credit/

gcamortgage.com

Buying a Home With Bad Credit in 2025 | Tips to Get Approved

Buying a home with bad credit is possible. Learn how to qualify, what loan options are available, and how to improve your approval odds in 2025.

[Lisa Jones]

Mortgage Loan Officers and Real Estate Agents!!!! Let’s keep our fingers crossed 🤞. Breaking News: Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell is seriously considering resigning from his Fed Chair position. More on this will be discussed as the media release updates. Depending on who President Donald Trump appoints as the new Federal Reserve Board Chairman, top economists and analysts unanimously agree the new Chief will lower rates, seriously work on promoting homeownership, and set a solid foundation for the housing and mortgage industry. Stayed Tuned!!! America is going in the right direction with the Trump Administration!!!

[Lisa Jones]

I wish Elon Musk well in both his personal and business matters. However, I really believe he needs to stop whatever he is doing, take a step back, restructure his overall business plan, focus on one business he manages and operates, and assign his other businesses to a new CEO and Chief Operating Officer. Otherwise, I believe Elon Musk and all his businesses will come crashing down. What’s he thinking? How many companies is Elon Musk now running? Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, and GROK AI were in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency. It does not stop here, folks. Musk just created and launched a third political party, the American Party. Musk is also thinking about buying MSNBC.

Folks, it doesn’t matter how smart you are or if you have 500 IQ. YOU CANNOT BE A JACK OF ALL TRADES AND A MASTER OF ALL. This Cybertruck is hands down a total flop. It’s a strain on your eyes because it’s so ugly. It’s not functional. Extremely poorly engineered, a health hazard due to electrical malfunctions. Catches on fire. The parts of the Cybertruck are falling apart. Seems like the truck was glued together. Let me know your thoughts.

https://youtu.be/3WldSl3HGr8?si=R6G_6FAgM-qdFDNi

• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.

[Lisa Jones]

Jeffrey Epstein’s former lawyer, David Schoen—who also defended Donald Trump—breaks his silence in a revealing interview, expressing deep skepticism over Epstein’s official cause of death. Schoen shares intimate details from his final conversations with Epstein, describes Epstein’s state of mind days before his death, and highlights troubling inconsistencies in the official investigation. Was Epstein really suicidal, or was there something more sinister at play? From questionable autopsy findings by renowned medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden to Epstein’s mysterious connections with powerful figures like Trump and Ehud Barak, this exclusive conversation raises critical questions that challenge the official narrative.

https://youtu.be/0SNrVbHyA4I?si=tpWT9Tggtz1iMm8C

• This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by  Sapna Sharma.

[Lisa Jones]

If you live in Oshkosh and want to pay off those high-interest credit cards, you have some solid local options to explore. Consolidating debt can lighten your monthly bills and save you money on interest, so let’s look at a few places to get started.

Local Lenders Ready to Help OneMain Financial

OneMain works with borrowers across the credit spectrum, so even if your credit isn’t perfect, they may still be able to help. Their branch is located at 510 S Koeller St., so Give them a call at (920) 233-8222 or visit [OneMain Financial](https://www.onemainfinancial.com) for more info.

Lendmark Financial Services

Need cash fast? Landmark offers same-day funding on fixed-rate personal loans. You can search for their Oshkosh location online or call ahead to find the documents you need. Start at [Lendmark Financial](https://www.lendmarkfinancial.com).

Old National Bank

This traditional bank offers both personal loans and revolving lines of credit, so you can choose the option that best fits your budget. Their Oshkosh branch is located at 420 S Koeller St, and the number is (920) 891-7268.

More details are at [Old National

(https://locations.oldnational.com).

Credit Unions Usually Offer Lower Rates Fox Communities Credit Union

Fox Communities has personal loans designed for debt consolidation. They also feature a handy debt calculator tool on their site that helps you play with numbers before you apply. Call their Oshkosh Avenue branch at 920 993-9000 or visit [Fox CU](https://www.foxcu.org).

Capital Credit Union

Capital CU grants unsecured personal loans and flexible lines of credit aimed squarely at people looking to consolidate. Phone the Oshkosh branch at 920 494-2828 or drop by [Capital](https://www.capitalcu.com) to check current rates.

Winnebago Community Credit Union

Winnebago Community prides itself on personalized service. To discuss your options face-to-face, call 920 233-9096 or visit them online at [WCCU](https://www.wincu.org). Don’t hesitate to shop around; even small differences in rates can save you a bundle.

Nonprofit & Online Choices for HelpMoney Fit (Debt Counseling)

• Money Fit can help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt.
• This nonprofit offers one-on-one credit counseling and sets up personalized Debt Management Plans (DMPs) that allow you to pay your creditors more quickly.
• You can reach them by calling (800) 432-0310 or visiting their site at [moneyfit.org](https://moneyfit.org).

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

The NFCC serves as a gateway to various accredited counseling agencies nationwide. Whether you prefer to talk over the phone or chat online, they’ll catch you with a certified credit counselor who can walk you through all your options, including budgeting and debt management programs. Head to [credit.org](https://www.credit.org) for a list of local agencies.

Online Personal Loan Marketplaces

• When it comes to personal loans, shopping around is key.
• LendingTree lets you compare offerings from lenders such as Upgrade, SoFi, Upstart, and Best Egg.
• Their rates currently range from about 7% to 35%, depending on your credit profile, so it pays to input your info and see where you stand.
• Another popular choice is SoFi, which receives high marks for customer service, has no origination fees, and gives borrowers terms stretching up to 84 months.
• You can learn more about them on [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org).

What to Compare Before You Sign

• Interest Rate (APR): A smaller number saves you money over time.
• Fees: Look for origination, late, or monthly maintenance fees.
• Term & Flexibility: Choose a repayment period that fits your budget, not the lender’slender’s
• Funding Time: Online lenders may wire cash the same day, while banks can take longer.
• Eligibility: Some lenders want perfect credit; others will work with fair scores.

Next Steps You Can Take Today

• Stop by or call your local bank or credit union to ask about pre-qualification and interest rates that do not impact your credit.
• Try an Online Calculator: Tools from Fox CU or North Shore Bank let you plug in numbers to see who offers the cheapest overall cost.
• You can find these at [foxcu.org](https://foxcu.org) and [lendingtree.com.com](https://www.lendingtree.com).

Reach Out for Free Advice: Contact Money Fit or the NFCC to explore consolidation plans and get a third-party opinion on the best path forward.

Quick Tip: Not Sure Which Path to Take?

Credit unions typically charge lower interest rates and fees than traditional banks. They’re member-owned, so profits are returned to you through better deals.

Helpful nonprofits like Money Fit and the NFCC offer free money advice without pushing you to sign up for a loan. Their goal is to help you understand your options first.

If you own a home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) might seem attractive because the rates are usually low. Remember, your house backs the money you borrow, and the interest can go up or down.

Bottom line:

• For easy access to cash, OneMain or Lendmark get you set up quickly and close to home.
• For the best overall savings, check out Fox CU or Capital CU.
• Their lower rates and fees can save you serious money.
• Call Money Fit or the NFCC for friendly, no-pressure advice if you’d rather talk it out first.
• Plenty of resources can help if you’re ‘considering a personal loan or want to explore your options in Oshkosh.
• Comparing rates is a smart first step if you need a new set of wheels or want to cover unexpected expenses.
• Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help or want to kick-start the application process.
• Oshkosh has several branches where you can talk to someone face-to-face.
• OneMain Financial on Koeller Street is a popular choice for personal and auto loans. Check their hours and offerings.
• Credit unions are also worth a look.
• Capital Credit Union has a branch in Oshkosh, and they usually advertise lower rates on personal loans. You can see their loans.
• Fox Communities Credit Union even has handy online tools.

For those considering debt consolidation, services like Money Fit can guide you. Their Oshkosh page outlines the steps you can take, and it’s a good first stop if you’re feeling overwhelmed. LendingTree runs comparisons across multiple lenders, saving you time and giving you a broad view of current offers.

Remember, the right loan depends on your unique situation, so take your time, ask questions, and gather all the information you can.

[Lisa Jones]

Need the rates these personal loan companies charge?

[Lisa Jones]

Below is a comprehensive overview of Ozempic (semaglutide), focusing on its side effects, potential risks (including brain cancer concerns), and effectiveness for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It is tailored to your situation as someone with type 2 diabetes transitioning to insulin dependency and aiming to lose 13 pounds. The response also addresses your current use of phentermine and gives you some guidance based on available evidence.

Overview of Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

• It is FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
• Improve blood sugar control (along with diet and exercise).
• Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in those with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Lower the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular death in those with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
• While not FDA-approved for weight loss, Ozempic is often prescribed off-label for weight management due to its appetite-suppressing effects.
• It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which stimulates insulin release, slows gastric emptying, and signals fullness to the brain, reducing the appetite and effectiveness of Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss.

Blood Sugar Control

Clinical Evidence:

Ozempic is highly effective at lowering blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It reduces hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a measure of average blood sugar over 2–3 months, by 1–2% on average, depending on the dose (0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg weekly). This is more effective in head-to-head trials than other diabetes medications, such as dulaglutide (Trulicity).

Your Situation

Since you’ve transitioned to insulin-dependent diabetes (20 mL insulin daily, likely a typo for units, as insulin is dosed in units), Ozempic can complement insulin therapy by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production by the liver. It may help stabilize your blood sugar, potentially reducing your insulin requirements over time, but your doctor should closely monitor this.

Onset

Due to its long-acting nature, blood sugar improvements typically begin within the first week, with full effects seen after 8 weeks or more.

Weight Loss Clinical Evidence

While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, clinical trials show significant weight reduction as a side effect. Across studies, adults lost an average of 7.1 to 14.1 pounds (3.2 to 6.4 kg) over 30–56 weeks, with some losing up to 15–20% of body weight at higher doses (e.g., 2.4 mg, as in Wegovy, a related semaglutide brand). A 2021 UK study of 1,961 obese adults found that those on semaglutide plus lifestyle changes lost 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% with placebo.

Your Goal (13 Pounds):

• Losing 13 pounds is achievable with Ozempic, especially with diet and exercise.
• The degree of weight loss varies, but about one-third of users lose around 10% of body weight, and some achieve up to 20%.
• For someone starting at 200 pounds, this could mean 20–40 pounds, exceeding your Goal.
• However, individual results depend on adherence to lifestyle changes and dose (typically starting at 0.25 mg weekly, increasing to 1 mg or higher).

Comparison to Phentermine

• You mentioned taking 30 mg of phentermine once weekly with no success.
• Phentermine, a stimulant appetite suppressant, is typically taken daily (15–37.5 mg) for short-term use (up to 12 weeks) due to its potential for dependency and side effects like increased heart rate.
• Its once-weekly use is not standard and likely explains its ineffectiveness in your case.
• Ozempic, by contrast, is a long-acting medication with a different mechanism (GLP-1 agonism vs. stimulant), offering sustained appetite suppression and better alignment with long-term weight management.

Additional Benefits

• Cardiovascular Health: Ozempic reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in those with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Kidney Protection: It lowers the risk of kidney disease progression, which is relevant if you have or are at risk for chronic kidney disease.
• Sustained Use:
• Unlike phentermine, Ozempic is designed for long-term use, making it suitable for chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity

Side Effects and Risks of Ozempic

• Ozempic has various potential side effects, from common and mild to rare and serious.
• Below is a detailed breakdown addressing your concern about brain cancer and other risks.

Common Side Effects

These are typically mild to moderate, often improving within days to weeks:

Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues (most common):

Nausea affects up to 20–30% of users, especially when starting or increasing doses.

• Vomiting: Reported in 5–10% of users.
• Diarrhea: Common, affecting 10–20%.
• Constipation: Seen in 5–10%.
• Abdominal Pain: Less frequent but reported.
• Management: Increase gradually with a low dose (0.25 mg weekly).
• Eating smaller, bland meals and staying hydrated can help.
• Persistent GI issues may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.
• Fatigue: About 6% of users experience fatigue, potentially due to reduced caloric intake or GI side effects.
• Injection Site Reactions: Mild redness or itching at the injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).

“Ozempic Face”:

• Rapid weight loss can cause facial fat loss, leading to a gaunt appearance with sagging skin.
• This is not unique to Ozempic but occurs with rapid weight loss.

Serious Side Effects

• These are less common but require immediate medical attention:
• Pancreatitis is rare but serious.
• It is characterized by severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting.
• Ozempic is not recommended if you have a history of pancreatitis.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

• It is more likely when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride).
• Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, or seizures.
• Since you’re on insulin (20 units daily), your doctor should monitor your blood sugar closely and may adjust your insulin dose to prevent hypoglycemia.

Kidney Issues:

• Early reports suggested a risk of kidney injury.
• Still, recent studies show Ozempic reduces the risk of kidney failure in type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease.
• If you have kidney problems, discuss this with your doctor.

Gallbladder Issues:

Ozempic may increase the risk of gallstones or inflammation, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

Vision Changes

• Rarely, changes in blood sugar can affect the eye’s lens, causing blurry vision.
• There’s also a small risk of worsening diabetic retinopathy, especially if your diabetes is poorly controlled.
• Allergic Reactions are rare but include angioedema (swelling in the face, lips, or throat) or anaphylaxis.
• Avoid Ozempic if you have a history of severe allergic reactions.

Gastroparesis

• Some reports link Ozempic to delayed gastric emptying (stomach paralysis), which can cause severe GI symptoms.
• A lawsuit claims inadequate warnings about this risk.

Thyroid Cancer Risk (Boxed Warning)Concern

• Ozempic carries an FDA-boxed warning for the risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), based on rodent studies where semaglutide caused thyroid tumors.
• It is not known if this risk applies to humans.

Contraindications

Ozempic should not be used if you or a family member has a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Symptoms to Watch

Please report any lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath to your doctor as soon as possible.

Relevance to You

The risk of thyroid cancer is a concern, but human data are limited, and the risk appears low. Regular monitoring by your doctor is essential.

Brain Cancer RiskYour Concern

• You mentioned that Ozempic may cause brain cancer.
• There is no direct evidence linking Ozempic or semaglutide to brain cancer in humans.

Available Data

• The FDA and clinical trials have not reported brain cancer as a side effect of Ozempic.
• The boxed warning focuses on thyroid tumors, not brain tumors.
• Some research explores GLP-1 agonists’ effects on brain health (e.g., potential neuroprotection against Alzheimer’s).
• Still, no studies confirm an increased risk of brain cancer.
• Posts on X mentioning severe side effects (e.g., @kacdnp91, @Gabepluguez) do not specifically cite brain cancer and are not conclusive evidence.

Critical Note

• Misinformation or conflation of the thyroid cancer warning with other cancers may explain this concern.
• Always verify such claims with your doctor or reputable sources like the FDA or NIH.

Other ConsiderationsWeight Regain

• If you stop Ozempic, you may regain lost weight, as seen in cases like TikTok star Remi Bader, who experienced weight regain and worsened binge eating after discontinuing Ozempic.

Eating Disorders

• Since you aim to control eating, be aware that Ozempic’s appetite suppression could exacerbate disordered eating patterns.
• This is especially true if you have a history of binge eating disorder (common in up to 20% of type 2 diabetes patients).

Pregnancy

• Ozempic is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Stop it at least 2 months before planning pregnancy.

Mental Health

• Early European studies suggested a risk of suicidal thoughts, but the FDA found no clear link.
• A study of 240,000 people found that those on Ozempic were less likely to have suicidal thoughts compared to other weight loss drugs.
• Still, report any mood changes to your doctor.

Long-Term Unknowns:

As noted on X (@DrBPHealth, @PierreKory), the long-term effects of Ozempic are not fully understood, particularly for non-diabetic use or prolonged use.

Managing Side Effects

• Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, increasing as tolerated to minimize GI side effects.
• Monitor Blood Sugar: To avoid hypoglycemia, check blood sugar frequently, especially with insulin use.
• Hydration and Diet: Drink plenty of water and follow a balanced, low-sugar diet to manage GI symptoms and support weight loss.
• Regular Check-Ups: Discuss any symptoms (e.g., neck lumps, severe abdominal pain, vision changes) with your doctor promptly.
• Lifestyle Support: Ozempic’s “My Type 2 Transformation” program offers diet and exercise guidance, which can enhance effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Comparison to Your Current Treatment

• Phentermine Ineffectiveness: Taking phentermine 30 mg once weekly is not standard practice, as its short half-life requires daily dosing for appetite suppression.
• In your case, Ozempic’s once-weekly dosing and sustained GLP-1 effects are likely more effective for appetite control and weight loss.
• Insulin Use: Ozempic can complement your 20 daily insulin units by improving insulin sensitivity.
• However, careful monitoring is needed to adjust insulin doses and prevent hypoglycemia.

Recommendations for YouDiscuss with Your Doctor

• Clarify your diabetes status (type 2 transitioning to insulin dependency may suggest Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) or advanced type 2).
• Ozempic is not approved for type 1 diabetes, so confirm its appropriateness.
• Address the brain cancer concern directly, as it appears unfounded based on current evidence.
• Review your phentermine use and discontinue it, as it may not be effective weekly and could interact with Ozempic (e.g., increased heart rate).
• Monitor for hypoglycemia, given your insulin use.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Follow a structured diet (e.g., Mediterranean diet, per ADA guidelines) to support blood sugar control and weight loss.
• Incorporate exercise (e.g., 150 minutes/week of moderate activity) to enhance Ozempic’s effects.

Monitor Side Effects:

• Watch for GI symptoms, thyroid-related symptoms, or mood changes.
• Report severe symptoms (e.g., pancreatitis, allergic reactions) immediately.

Weight Loss Goal:

Your 13-pound Goal is realistic with Ozempic, diet, and exercise, likely achievable within 6–12 months.

However, weight regain is possible if you stop the medication, so plan for long-term management.

Ozempic is highly effective for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss (likely exceeding your 13-pound Goal), with average weight reductions of 7–14 pounds in trials and up to 20% in some cases.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are usually manageable.

At the same time, serious risks like pancreatitis, hypoglycemia (especially with insulin), and potential thyroid tumors require vigilance.

There is no evidence linking Ozempic to brain cancer, but discuss this concern with your doctor to address any misinformation.

Compared to your ineffective weekly phentermine use, Ozempic’s once-weekly dosing and mechanism are better suited for sustained appetite control and weight loss. Close monitoring and lifestyle changes are critical to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DqLzCekzAU

[Lisa Jones]

I need aerator for my pond. Have several questions. How do I eliminate weeds and cattails from the edges of the pond. My dogs used to swim in my pond but can’t anymore because of snapper turtles. How can I get rid of snapper turtles. My pond is about half an acre more or less. Thank you 😊