-
Health Beat: Coping With Stress In a Stressful World
By Mark McNease.
Narration by Wondervox.
Another year comes slowly to a close as the holidays kick in and that mixture of pleasure and stress takes over. It’s a reminder that stress is part of living, and how we handle it can make the difference between looking back at another good year, or dreading what the next one will bring. We often anticipate bad things happening, whether they do or not, and it increases this stress exponentially. Even without the added pressure, daily living is often stressful with its demands on our time, activities, and attention. Doctor’s appointment? Stressful. Sink stopped up? Stressful. Cat to the vet? Stressful. Holidays? Prolonged stress, no matter how much we may enjoy them.
Here are some thoughts on stress and how to cope with it in our lives.
Handling Stress: Strategies for a Balanced Life
Stress is a common part of life, affecting nearly everyone at some point, and many of us in a more or less chronic way. Whether it’s due to work pressures, personal relationships, or unforeseen circumstances, managing stress is essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being. But take heart! There are a number of effective strategies for coping with and alleviating stress, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience—and maybe even sleeping all night! (This is a problem for me and millions of others, and it can be exacerbate by the aging process: we tend to sleep less as we get older.)
Understanding the Causes of Stress
Before delving into coping mechanisms, it’s important to understand the sources of stress. Common triggers include high-pressure jobs, family responsibilities, health issues, financial worries, and major life changes. Identifying these stressors is the first step in managing stress effectively. For some people, keeping a stress journal can prove beneficial; by detailing when stressors occur and how they affect you, you can develop a clearer picture of patterns and triggers in your life. I don’t personally keep this kind of record, but I do journal on a regular basis. It’s as much a diary as a journal for me, and it’s augmented by thematic journaling (SEE HERE FOR MORE ON THAT).
-
Book Review: Box Office Poison: Hollywood’s Story in a Century of Flops, by Tim Robey
By Terri Sclichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez“Box Office Poison: Hollywood’s Story in a Century of Flops” by Tim Robey
c.2024, Hanover Square Press #32.99 336 pagesIt was a little hard to swallow.
In fact, the premise of the entire flick stunk up the room and stuck in your craw until you could barely stand watching anymore. Ugh, no matter how much popcorn you stuffed in your mouth, no matter how many refills of soda you drank, as in the new book “Box Office Poison” by Tim Robey, some films just leave a bad taste in your mouth.
You know it when you see it: a movie that you regretted spending money on, and when you learn about the budgets for those stinkeroos, you’re astounded. Obviously, says film critic Robey, money (or lack thereof) indicates nothing. Think Titanic, which was expected “to be a fiasco” despite its budget; or The Blair Witch Project, which was “made for peanuts” and was also a box-office success.
And then there are the films that should just, straight-up “be fed to the wolves headfirst…”
-
Mark McNease Mysteries Podcast: Fatal Mistake – A Harry Hell Novella (Chapter One)
Narration provided by Wondervox.I am so excited to bring back the Mark McNease Mysteries Podcast with one of my favorite stories … a novella, actually, that had an incredibly long gestation in the recesses of my imagination. I’d put it off as an audio option because the voice technology I use wasn’t quite good enough. Now I think it sounds terrific. Yes, it’s AI/synthetic voice. I would never pretend otherwise. So fasten your headphones, and let’s get this dark, dark party started.
About Fatal Mistake: A Harry Hell Novella
Buy Direct and Save!The year is closer than you think. The world has collapsed under the weight of its own insatiable needs, leaving shattered cities where those who still have anything fight to keep it that way, and those who don’t are a constant threat. It’s a danger that must be contained through a tightly controlled society where everyone is observed and everything is kept in its place.
Harry Hellerman and his twin brother, Elliot, enter this world three minutes apart. By the time they’re teenagers, they’ve been surrendered to Control to be molded into the perfect assassins. A boy named Harry Hellerman enters, and a man named Harry Hell emerges: a killing machine of the highest order.Harry’s life takes a drastic turn when he finds himself teamed with a man named Raul, who becomes his partner in every way. Enter the lethal, dreaded Nectar, queen of the Ruins and slayer of hopes and dreams. Even Harry had them once, but no more. His life soon revolves around one mission only: to take his revenge against Nectar, and die someday with Raul’s name still on his lips. It was all he had left to live for.
Enter Eastward, and the Ruins, and the Slopes beyond them. Make your way to the river’s edge, misted in darkness, where many have tried to escape but none have ever returned. ‘Fatal Mistake’ begins the journey of a man whose heart had not always been stone. Will it beat again, or will he use it to sink his enemy down, down, down, straight to hell?
-
The Twist Podcast #279: The True Colors Post-Election WTF America Tour
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose for our first post-apocalyptic “Are you serious, America?” show where we shake off the sads, hold our heads high and keep going. To paraphrase Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, “You come for my people, you come through The Twist.”
-
Your Write Path Podcast: A Conversation with Lenny Gallo, Author of ‘Unstill: The Ordeal of Anxiety, Pills, and an Undiagnosed Disorder. A Memoir.
I had the pleasure of talking with Lenny Gallo about his life, his experiences, and his new book. This is a powerhouse memoir that grabs you from the first page and never lets go. It’s harrowing, in a very positive way, and I recommend it to anyone interested in surviving medical crises. From his difficult childhood to his horrendous experiences with medication-induced movement disorder, Lenny tells it exactly like it is. I think this will be a must-read resource for people who have had these experiences, and many who struggle with them. It also serves as a call to survival and perseverance in the face of enormous challenges.
About Unstill: The Ordeal of Anxiety, Pills, and an Undiagnosed Disorder. A Memoir
by Lenny Gallo (Author), Sondra Beaulieu (Editor), Don Weise (Editor), Louise D. Stahl (Editor)
Lenny Gallo
Special Color Edtion Paperback
Treatment for anxiety all too often includes medication—but at what cost to the patient? After struggling with a lifetime of clinical anxiety, author and artist Lenny Gallo was confronted with the decision to try medication to help manage his symptoms. The medication did not work as expected and caused a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed movement disorder. This book reflects his journey to find the answers that redirected the course of his life. -
Your Write Path Podcast: A Conversation with Author Bruce W. Bishop
Enjoy a conversation with author Bruce W. Bishop. I’ve long admired his historical fiction, with meticulously research details interwoven with can’t-put-down stories. It’s been an added delight to get to know him as a friend, despite the distance between Halifax and New Jersey! Today we talk about his trilogy, his new book, his writing, and his plans. Fasten your headphones!
I discovered author Bruce W. Bishop’s engrossing 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.
-
Tech Talk: Switching to Low Cost Visible For Phone and Mobile Service
Tech Talk, previously An App for That, is a feature highlighting all things technology for the LGBTSr reader.
When my latest Verizon wireless bill showed up and it was now at $90, I decided I needed to look at alternatives. I use my phone a lot, like most people, but I rarely use it as a phone! My husband Frank told me about a subsidiary of Verizon called Visible that offers no-frills plans at $25 a month, and a plus-option for $45. With a promo code (SAVE24) it drops to $35 for me. I wanted whatever extras I could get, and at that price it’s irresistible.
My iPhone 7 Plus has lasted me at least eight years and could be good for another five, unless it suddenly craps out on me. I was nervous about it, because I’ve been with Verizon for a couple decades. So I checked out the comments on Reddit’s Visible group, and was reassured enough to do it. And I have! Now I’m just waiting for a new SIM card, which is required and easy to switch out on the iPhone, and that’s pretty much all there is to it. They will cancel my Verizon account for me, since they’re a Verizon subsidiary. Wish me luck! That’s $60 a month I won’t be throwing away anymore. Stay tuned for any updates on this.
About Switching
In the ever-changing landscape of mobile phone service, we’re continually seeking ways to save money while maintaining reliable service we’re used to (unless we have crappy service!) But the cost has gotten worse than a dozen eggs in hard times. One popular option that has emerged is Visible, a subsidiary of Verizon offering a unique approach to mobile service. If you’re considering switching from Verizon to Visible, here’s what you need to know.
-
The Bookworm’s Holiday Book Giving Guide: General Non-Fiction (2 of 3)
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm SezGeneral Non-Fiction
Someone on your gift list will love reading “Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic” by Tabitha Stanmore (Bloomsbury, $29.99). Not only is this a history of magic and the magical arts, but it’s a bit of a mini-biography about people who practice the arts.
If you know your giftee well and this year is going to mean big changes, then carefully give “Divorce Matters” by Kathy Criscuolo Boufford (Square One Publishers, $18.95). Wrap it up with “I Do (I Think) by Allison Raskin (Hanover Square Press, $28.99), a book about marriage in the modern world. Together, they’re perfect for the person you know needs them, now or in the near future.
-
Savvy Senior: How to Know if You’re Getting Osteoporosis
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
Can a person in their early fifties have osteoporosis? When I fell and broke my wrist last winter the doctor that treated me told me I might have osteoporosis.
Surprised Susan
Dear Susan,
While osteoporosis is much more common in adults over age 60, it can strike younger people too. In fact, according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation half of women and up to 25 percent of men in the U.S. over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Here’s what you should know.
Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones is also called a “silent” disease because there are no warning signs until a fracture occurs. Around 10 million Americans over age 50 currently have osteoporosis, and an additional 44 million have osteopenia (lower than normal bone density) – 80 percent of whom are women.
-
The Guided Autobiography Online Summit December 11 – 13, Registration Now Open
From the Guided Autobiography Summit Page.
I will be presenting on December 13 on Professional Growth.
Transformative Storytelling: How GAB Empowers Personal & Professional Growth
From Wednesday, December 11th, at 11.00 AM to Friday, December 13th, at 6.00 PMEastern Time (US and Canada)Whether you’re eager to begin writing your life story or a Guided Autobiography (GAB) instructor seeking fresh insights and professional growth, the GAB Summit 2024 offers something for everyone. This three-day event brings together life writers and GAB instructors from around the world to explore, share, and celebrate the transformative power of storytelling.
For Life Writers: Uncover the Power of Your Story
If you’ve ever wanted to write about your life but didn’t know where to start, GAB is a proven method that will guide you through the process. At the summit, you’ll hear from experienced GAB instructors as they share their unique approaches to helping students like you discover the meaning and lessons within your personal history.
WHAT IS GAB?
Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a unique method for writing about your life, two-pages at a time, created by gerontologist Dr. Birren and now carried on by Dr. Cheryl Svensson at the Birren Center. There are now over 600 instructors worldwide and when you take a class with any one of them, you’ll:
- Explore Your Life Journey: Guided Autobiography helps you dive deep into your personal story, acknowledging not only the challenges you’ve faced but also the strength, resilience, and positive experiences that have shaped you. Through thoughtful prompts and structured writing, GAB empowers you to find clarity, meaning, and even healing as you reflect on your past.
- Thrive in a Supportive Community: The GAB Summit offers a safe, non-judgmental space where your story is valued and celebrated. There’s no critiquing—just the joy of sharing, being seen, and connecting with others who are also reflecting on their lives. Whether you’ve been writing for years or are just beginning, you’ll leave feeling more confident and inspired.
- Connect with a Like-Minded Community:
One of the most powerful aspects of GAB is the sense of connection it fosters. At the summit, you’ll join a community of fellow life writers who share your passion for storytelling and personal reflection. As you listen to others’ stories and share your own, you’ll forge meaningful connections with individuals who understand the value of reflecting on life’s journey. These connections can lead to lasting friendships, support, and inspiration long after the summit ends
-
MWA-NY Panel On Series Writing a Hit At Hoboken Library
Our panel at the Hoboken Library was a hit with the audience. Panelists included Annamaria Alfieri, Tom Coffey, Peggy Ehrhart, Gerri Lewis, and moderator Mark McNease. The topic was Writing A Series: Getting It Started and Keeping It Going. Among the subjects discussed were continuity, outlining (or not), and where to begin.
MEET THE PANEL
Annamaria Alfieri writes the Vera and Tolliver stories, which are set in British East Africa and explore the evils of colonialism. It began with Strange Gods, 1911, The Idol of Mombasa , 1912, The Blasphemers 1913. The fourth book in the series, A Death on the Lord’s Day, was released in 2024. The Richmond Times-Dispatch praised the series as having “the flair of Isak Dinesen and Beryl Markham, the cunning of Agatha Christie and Elspeth Huxley.”
-
Cat Talk Radio with Hosts Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn: What Kind of Music Do Cats Like?
Ever wonder if your cat has a hidden playlist? In this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss, Certified Cat Behavior Specialist, and her co-host Dewey Vaughn dive into the surprising world of “cat music.” We explore fascinating research showing that cats might actually have their own musical preferences — and it’s not exactly what we humans groove to! Join us as we uncover how specially crafted music, featuring cat-friendly purrs and high-frequency sounds, can help soothe your furry friend at home or even at the vet. Tune in and find out if your cat could be the next big fan of feline tunes!
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.