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  • LGBTSR

    AI: A Beginner’s Guide

    July 31, 2024 /

    By Mark McNease
    with an assist from … you guessed it … AI

    For the past few years now we’ve all heard about the dreaded AI and how it is going to replace human life on the planet, or at least put most people out of work. As someone who has never been afraid of technology, though often wary of it, I’ve mostly welcomed the possibilities. Whether it’s designing a book cover, or quickly creating images for blog posts, or using synthetic narration for this website, I’ve welcome the challenges and done my best to stay on top of what’s going on.

    AI, broadly speaking, has been in our lives for a very long time. Everything from self-checkout kiosks at the grocery store, to Google maps, to auto-correct, it’s a part of our lives that isn’t going away. It can certainly be used for nefarious purposes, but it’s incumbent on all of us who are able to stay very aware of what we see, read, and hear. AI  in and of itself is not evil, but there are people who can and do use it for evil ends. So let’s take a deeper dive into what it is …

    What is AI and How Can It Benefit You?

    A beginner’s guide to understanding artificial intelligence and its applications

    Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a term that refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing images, solving problems, and learning from data. AI is not a single technology, but a broad field that encompasses many subfields and applications, such as computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning, robotics, and more.

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  • Health Beat,  LGBTSR

    Health Beat: Juicing, Zepbound, and the Importance of Lifestyle Changes

    July 31, 2024 /

    As readers know from my post last month, I’m taking Zepbound for weight loss. I just completed the first four weeks,  with two more months to go. This is not something I intend to do for more than three months. For one thing, my insurance won’t cover it. I’m on Medicare, and unless it’s for some underlying health issue, such as diabetes or heart disease, this is coming out of pocket.

    For the sake of being informative: I’m paying $1049 for four injections, per month. It’s a lot, but I see this as an investment on a much healthier future. I’ve been 50 pounds overweight for a very long time, and I can’t carry this excess poundage around anymore. It’s corrosive to my physical and mental well-being. But I also won’t use this medication for more than three months, and that means addressing the underlying issues related to food addiction.

    I made my first vegetable juice this morning in a new blender! Yum. I have not had any sweets, at all, for the past four weeks, and I intend to keep it that way. I explain this to people by comparing it to alcohol for those who are alcoholic or who don’t drink for other reasons. I have not had a drink in ten years. I will  not have sweets, either. I don’t care if it’s someone’s last day on earth, I am not having cake and ice cream to celebrate their life. And if you won’t offer me a rum and Coke, which you will not, then don’t offer me a cookie.

    I feel great. I’ve lost 13 pounds and I’m aiming for 30-40 more. I can to this. You can do this, if you want to. But face the things that make you eat destructively in the first place. A healthier future starts now.

     

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  • LGBTSR,  Savvy Senior

    This Week’s Senior Newswire

    July 29, 2024 /

    READ THE FOLLOWING CONTENT MORE MORE AT SENIOR NEWSWIRE!

    Senior Newswire is produced by Jim Miller’s Savvy Senior

    Dealing with Diabetes Distress: Living with a chronic disease isn’t easy. But there are ways to manage diabetes to reduce burnout and frustration, anger, anxiety and even depression. Next Avenue, July 22.

    These Nutrients Can Strengthen Aging Bones: Bone loss is a natural part of getting older, but prioritizing certain foods can help slow the process down. The New York Times, July 22. (Subscription may be required.)

    Shingles Vaccine Could Lower Dementia Risk: Older people who avail themselves of the newest shingles vaccine could reap a hidden benefit: A significant drop in their odds of developing dementia. HealthDay News, July 26.

    What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica? Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects older adults. Though the condition can cause debilitating pain and stiffness, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms. U.S. News & World Report, July 24.

    At-Home Colon Cancer Test Can Save Lives: A simple home screening test for colon cancer can reduce the risk of dying from the disease by 33%, a new study shows. HealthDay News, July 26.

    Double Mastectomy May Offer No Survival Benefit to Women with Breast Cancer: Many women who develop a tumor in one breast are opting for double mastectomy. Now, a new study finds that treatment decision produced no benefit in terms of long-term breast cancer survival. HealthDay News, July 26.

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  • LGBTSR

    Podcast Pick (On YouTube!): Where Do Gays Retire? Now On Video

    July 24, 2024 /

    I’ve posted  about the Where Do Gays Retire? podcast before, with founder and host Mark Goldstein. Well, feast your eyes on the YouTube edition! Mark now offers his shows in video format, and you can see them HERE. Subscribe, click, enjoy.

    IN THIS EPISODE

    Oloron Sainte-Marie France with Mykle Flatley

    Join us on the “Where Do Gays Retire” podcast as we explore Oloron Sainte-Marie with special guest Mykle Flatley. Discover why this charming town in the French Pyrenees is a hidden gem for LGBTQ+ retirees. We’ll discuss the town’s beautiful scenery, rich history, cost of living, healthcare options, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Mykle shares his personal experiences and insights on what makes Oloron Sainte-Marie an ideal destination for retirement. Don’t miss this informative episode packed with valuable tips and local highlights!

    CLICK HERE to listen to my guest spot with Mark about Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope (PA).

    CLICK HERE to listen to my interview with Mark on the One Thing or Another Podcast.

     

     

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  • LGBTSR,  Savvy Senior

    Savvy Senior: Do You Need a Digital Will?

    July 2, 2024 /

    By Jim Miler

    Dear Savvy Senior,

    My wife and I had our estate plan – including a will, power of attorney and advance directive – drawn up about 10 years ago but have recently read that our plan should include a digital will too. What can you tell us about this?

    Almost 80

     Dear Almost,

    If you or your wife spend much time online, adding a separate digital will document to your estate plan that provides a list of your digital assets would be extremely helpful to your loved ones when you die, not to mention it will help protect your privacy. Here’s what you should know.

    Do You Have Digital Asset?

    The term “digital assets” refers to personal information that is stored electronically on either a computer or an online cloud server account that belongs to an individual. Anyone who uses email, has a PIN code protected cell phone, makes online purchases, or pays bills online has digital assets.

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  • Health Beat,  LGBTSR

    Health Beat: Coping with the Summer Heat

    June 19, 2024 /

    By Mark McNease

    Tomorrow is the official first day of summer, and the temperatures here in New Jersey are proof of it. After some very comfortable months, the heat and humidity are increasing steadily, and we’re headed for our first heat wave of the summer (defined as three days or more of above-90 degree temps).

    It’s been okay so far here in the countryside where we live, but this morning I had to pull out the bandanna I wrap around my head when the humidity gets drippy. And I watered the vegetable garden early this morning before a trip out of town.

    We have two cats and I always think about them, too. They’ve survived before and they’ll survive again, but always keep lots of fresh water for them and hire a pet sitter if you go away.

    And now … some tips and reflections on the dog days of summer.

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  • LGBTSR

    Workshops Now Scheduled for September! Save the Dates

    June 18, 2024 /

    I have a full slate of workshops schedules for September: Fiction Writing Essentials, Self-Publishing with KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), and extended Guided Autobiography Workshops. You don’t need to register now, but save the dates and stay tuned. – Mark

    Guided Autobiography 6 Week Online Workshop
    Starts Wednesday, September 4, 10:00 am eastern
    Register here

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