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Featured Book: Grow up, Rory Rafferty: A Novel, by Bruce W. Bishop (Releases Oct. 31)
I discovered author Bruce W. Bishop’s terrific historical fiction a few years ago, including Unconventional Daughters, Uncommon Sons, and Undeniable Relations: A Novel, all books in his Families Storytelling series. His research is as impeccable as his writing, and he has the gift of bringing readers into a book’s world so completely you may find yourself startled to be back in your own when you turn the final page. I also had the great pleasure of meeting Bruce when I was on a cruise that stopped in Halifax. He’s as delightful in person as he is talented with a keyboard.
His new book, ‘Grow Up, Rory Rafferty‘ is both a coming-of-age story and a coming out story, told from the perspective of young Rory Rafferty. It takes place in 1979 in Toronto, a city and time the author knows well. It shows in his vivid details and his in-the-moment narrative. As with his other books, I feel as if I’m on those Toronto streets and in those restaurants, eavesdropping on a cast of characters I won’t soon forget – if I ever do. This is a heartwarming and poignant journey to youth on the cusp of adulthood, in what may seem like a simpler time but is as complicated as growing up can be.
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Savvy Senior: How to Find a Cheaper Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
What’s the easiest way to compare Medicare Part D prescription drug plans? My Part D premium is increasing again in 2025, so I would like to use the fall open enrollment to find and sign up for a cheaper plan.
Shopping Around
Dear Shopping,
I’m happy to hear you’re comparing your Medicare coverage options this fall! Research shows that many Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage can lower their prescription drug costs by shopping among plans each year during the open enrollment season, which runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
There could be another Part D plan in your area that covers the drugs you take with fewer restrictions or with lower costs. You never know until you look.
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Book Review: William, by Mason Coile
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez“William” by Mason Coilec.2024, Putnam $27.00 224 pages
The second the door shut, you knew where your keys were.
Not in your hands. No, they were on the kitchen table.
So you locked yourself out but no worries, your smart phone is tied to your door locks. Your house alarm is, too, as are the lights and the coffeemaker. Technology is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Although, as in the new novel “William” by Mason Coile, having certain “smart” devices can be a dumb idea.
Once upon a time, Henry had a loving wife and a happy life.
Where did everything go wrong? Why did his wife treat him with such disdain? Was it because of the new baby coming, and Lily’s feelings about it? No, their problems undoubtedly stemmed from Henry’s agoraphobia; they hadn’t left the house together in months. Henry was only really comfortable within the confines of their expensive, uber-safety-enhanced Victorian-era home, in his attic laboratory, his creative space.
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Updated Workshop Schedule Through December!
All workshops are currently 2 hours via Zoom
All times are eastern (New Jersey) – 2 HoursTuesday, October 22
Guided Autobiography 2 hour intro (free)
11: 00 AM – 1:00 PM
REGISTERWednesday, November 6 (4 weeks)
4 Week Guided Autobiography ($100)
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
REGISTERMonday, November 18
Fiction Writing Essentials ($40)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTERMonday, November 25
Self-Publishing With KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) ($40)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTERWednesday December 4
Guided Autobiography 2 hour intro (free)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTERMonday December 9
Fiction Writing Essentials ($40)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTERMonday, December 16
Self-Publishing with KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) ($40)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTERWednesday, December 18
Guided Autobiography 2 hour intro (free)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTERNEW! 5 Week Guided Autobiography Workshop ($125)
Every Wednesday in April
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
REGISTER -
Social Security Set for 2.5 Percent Increase in 2025
From the Social Security Administration
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5% in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.
Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 2.6%. The COLA was 3.2% in 2024.
Nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% COLA beginning in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
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Cat Talk Radio with Hosts Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn: Why Bone Broth for Your Cat?
You’ve probably heard a lot about bone broth for cats lately, but what does it really DO for your cat? Molly and Adrian Pettyan, founder of Caru Pet Food, talk about the specific physical and mental benefits of adding a functional bone broth to your cat food. Molly searched far and wide for THE BEST cat bone broth available – tune in to find out which brand it is, where you can get it, and why you should rush to buy it now!
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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The Twist Podcast #277: Masque of the Red Hats, Crossfire Hurricanes, and the Joker 2 Flames Out
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we podcast from “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” sad-sigh at the meltdown of Gaga’s Joker 2, and do a little weather control for the fun of it.
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Health Beat: Macular Degeneration – What It Is and How to Treat It
Health Beat is a feature at LGBTSr highlighting health and wellness
More than one person in my life has macular degeneration, and my late mother suffered from it years ago when its treatment was less sophisticated and effective. Today it can be slowed and, depending on its progression, treated well enough to prevent serious vision loss. So what is macular degeneration? What causes it, and what can we do about it?
Understanding Macular Degeneration and Its Treatments
Macular degeneration, often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a common eye condition that affects millions of individuals globally, particularly those over the age of 50. It’s a progressive disease that attacks the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As a result, AMD can severely impair your ability to perform everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Despite its prevalence, many people remain unaware of the condition and the various treatments available to manage its progression.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is categorized into two main types: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular) AMD.
Dry AMD: This form is more common, accounting for approximately 85-90% of cases. It occurs when the macula thins over time, leading to gradual vision loss. The hallmark of dry AMD is the presence of drusen, yellow deposits beneath the retina.
Wet AMD: Though less common, wet AMD is more severe and can lead to rapid vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula, causing bleeding, leaking, and scarring. Wet AMD can develop suddenly and requires prompt medical attention.
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Client Book Just Published: The Wildflowers Within Her Heart (Poetry), by Tara Elizabeth Benedetti
One of the most rewarding things about working with people to publish their books is that I’m helping them achieve a goal. In this case, a mother’s desire to publish her daughter’s poetry. It was a labor of love for her, and I was able to help her bring it to fruition. Keep reading to understand why it matters to her, and why I feel privileged to help birth this gift from a mother to her beloved but challenged adult child.
The Wildflowers Within Her Heart
Tara Elizabeth Benedetti has written poetry since she was a young girl. Tara wrote a poem when she was 10 years old, in the 5th grade, and it was published when she was 12, in the 7th grade.
The poem “My Windows” was published in the 1993 Edition of the book “Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans.”
Tara was encouraged by her teachers beginning in the 5th grade, and it was always pointed out that she had a profound and rich imagination – the part that can’t be taught.
Tara graduated from Summit High School, in Summit, New Jersey. She obtained a B.A. Degree in Creative Writing and Photo Journalism, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. She has a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickenson University in Madison, New Jersey.
Tara was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 28 years old, while teaching English in Boston. It has been 16 ½ years of a struggle for Tara. She is now 44 years old. All of her poetry was written before Tara was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
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Self-Publishing Workshop at Hunterdon County Library a Big Success!
Big thanks to the 14 participants who came to my workshop on self-publishing last night at the Hunterdon Country Library, including fellow Mystery Writers of America-NY board member (and president) Nev March. It was so rewarding to engage with everyone, and hear so many of them say how much they liked the workshop. Onward!
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Health Beat: Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (Tirzepatide) No Longer In Shortage (And Why It Matters)
Health Beat is a feature at LGBTSr highlighting health news and issues.
The good news: I’ve lost 24 pounds, with another 20 to go, using Tirzepatide. I’m not arguing for or against using weight loss medication, but after more than a decade of needing to lose some serious weight I’ve finally been able to do it.
The not-so-good news: It’s very expensive for those of us who have to pay the full cost out of pocket. As a Medicare recipient, it’s not covered, unless you have some serious underlying health condition. Eventually this may change, because a lot of expensive medical issues arise from obesity and it would be more affordable for Medicare (and the supplemental health and drug insurance plans) to cover these than to pay the exorbitant costs of heart disease and other serious weight-related illnesses.
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Podcast Pick: The Golden Girls Deep Dive with Patrick Hinds and Jennifer Simard
Podcast Pick: The Golden Girls Deep Dive
Frank and I listened to an episode of The Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast with Patrick Hinds and Jennifer Simard in the car driving back from Provincetown this year. I love this show! It’s going to be my treadmill podcast once it’s too cold, or dark too early, to walk outside. Give it a listen.
About the Podcast
Starting with the pilot episode and going in order, each week hosts Patrick Hinds (True Crime Obsessed) and Jennifer Simard (two-time Tony Award nominee) will recap an episode – infusing their commentary with humor and tons of trivia you probably didn’t know about the show.
Each episode will end with a fascinating deep dive into something from The Golden Girls universe. For example, did you know that the actor who plays Coco the chef in the pilot episode vanished 35 years later and then was found dead under very mysterious circumstances? And did you know that the actress who played Blanche’s sister Virginia was hired by 20th Century Fox in the 1950s as a replacement for – and a warning to – an “increasingly unreliable” Marilyn Monroe?