That's all you get

The saying "all you get is a ham sandwich" is a variation of the phrase that a prosecutor can get a grand jury to "indict a ham sandwich," which was popularized by former New York Chief Judge Sol Wachtler in 1985. [1, 2]  

Origin and Meaning 

• Origin: Wachtler used the phrase in 1985 to express his view that the grand jury system should be abolished because grand juries were overly deferential to prosecutors. He argued that district attorneys had so much influence they could convince a grand jury to indict even "a ham sandwich," implying that the standard of proof required for an indictment (probable cause) was too low. The phrase became famous a few years later when quoted by Tom Wolfe in his novel The Bonfire of the Vanities. 

• Meaning: The expression highlights a perceived lack of independent judgment within the grand jury system, suggesting that a prosecutor can obtain an indictment against virtually anyone or anything, regardless of the flimsiness of the evidence. 

• Wachtler's Regret: Wachtler, who is Jewish, later commented that he regretted using "ham" for the analogy and wished he had chosen a "pastrami sandwich" instead, for reasons of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws). [1, 2, 3, 4]  

Variations 

The core idea has been adapted into other contexts, such as: 

• Describing a meager or underwhelming reward (e.g., "After all that work, all you get is a ham sandwich"). 

• Police slang in some areas, referring to a "drop gun" or false evidence planted by corrupt officers to frame a suspect. [1, 5, 6]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.chronicle.com/blogs/linguafranca/why-a-ham-sandwich

[2] https://www.luceropc.com/the-ham-sandwich-an-indictment

[3] https://www.luceropc.com/the-ham-sandwich-an-indictment

[4] https://www.quora.com/Where-did-the-phrase-You-re-such-a-ham-come-from

[5] https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-ham-sandwich

[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ham_sandwich

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
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Simple Fixes #mcre1 - Spencer will like this -

 Time to Scrap Topeka's Public Comment Sign-Up Barrier

Back in 2025, during my mayoral run, I blogged about how public comment at Topeka City Council meetings isn't ruled by vague "common law" — it's set by local rules and the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). Read it here.
Now, in 2026, those rules still choke citizen input. To speak, you must notify the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. the day of the meeting — or sign up in person before 6:00 p.m. No true walk-ups. No spontaneous voice on emerging issues.This must change. Eliminate mandatory sign-up. Let anyone at the meeting speak on any issue.Why the Current Rules Fail

• Kills spontaneity: Issues erupt during discussions. A resident shows up fired up — but can't speak without prior notice. Working folks, parents, and last-minute attendees get silenced.
• Unnecessary hurdle: Many Kansas cities allow on-site sign-up throughout. Topeka's stricter policy isn't required by state law.
• Low turnout: Pre-registration discourages participation, weakening democracy.

State Law Backs Open AccessKOMA demands open meetings but doesn't require public comment at all. Since Topeka offers it, rules are local choice. Broader access honors KOMA's core: informed electorate through transparency.Benefits of Walk-Up Comment

• Boosts engagement: More voices, better decisions.
• Real-time feedback: Council hears direct reactions.
• Fairer process: Levels the field for all residents.

Simple FixesAmend Governing Body Rules:

• Drop the 5:00 p.m. deadline.
• Allow in-person sign-up anytime during the meeting.
• Permit brief comments on agenda items as they arise (chair's discretion).
• Keep safeguards: 4-minute limits, no personal attacks, orderly conduct.

This isn't revolutionary — it's basic openness. In my campaign, voters demanded a louder voice. Let's deliver.
Contact your Council member now. Demand true public comment. Topeka deserves it.

 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1258170458429740785?guests=1&adults=1&s=2&unique_share_id=1a6eed69-a100-4310-9eb2-8480efa6c14a

Live well

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
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Cortisol....be gone

The best ways to lower cortisol involve a holistic approach focusing on sleep, stress management, and nutrition, with techniques like prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep, practicing mindfulness (yoga, meditation, deep breathing), getting regular moderate exercise (walking, swimming), and eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods while limiting sugar, processed foods, and excess caffeine to support your body's natural stress response. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]  

Lifestyle Habits 

• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of consistent sleep, avoiding screens and caffeine before bed to support your body's natural cortisol rhythm. 

• Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi to calm your nervous system. 

• Regular, Moderate Exercise: Activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming help regulate cortisol; avoid over-exercising, as intense workouts can increase it. 

• Connect & Laugh: Spending time with loved ones, cuddling, and laughing can release endorphins and lower cortisol. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9]  

Dietary Changes 

• Eat Whole Foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (omega-3s) to stabilize blood sugar. 

• Limit Cortisol-Spiking Foods: Reduce sugar, saturated fats, refined grains, and excessive caffeine, which can disrupt cortisol levels. 

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can temporarily raise cortisol. 

• Consider Supplements: Magnesium, Vitamin D, B vitamins, and Omega-3s may help, but discuss these with a doctor first. [1, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12]  

When to See a DoctorIf you experience persistent symptoms of high stress or suspect a more serious issue like Cushing syndrome, talk to your healthcare provider, as medical treatment might be needed. [2, 8]  

To make these lifestyle changes more effective, would you like a sample daily routine that integrates these cortisol-lowering habits? [3]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.torrancememorial.org/healthy-living/blog/cortisol-and-your-waistline-the-unseen-battle/

[2] https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/healthy-living/cortisol

[3] https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/how-to-lower-your-cortisol

[4] https://www.cbwchc.org/news/how-to-manage-stress-lower-cortisol-naturally

[5] https://www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/how-to-reduce-stress-hormones-5-ways-to-lower-cortisol-levels

[6] https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/how-exercise-balances-cortisol-levels/

[7] https://www.henryford.com/blog/2025/05/how-to-lower-your-cortisol-levels

[8] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol

[9] https://www.neamb.com/family-and-wellness/7-steps-to-keep-cortisol-in-check

[10] https://www.laspalmasdelsolhealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/how-to-reduce-stress-hormones-5-ways-to-lower-cortisol-levels

[11] https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee/bewell/foodforthought/best-foods-to-reduce-stress.html

[12] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-to-lower-cortisol

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
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time kills deals