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Mark McNease On Topic: Cowgirls and Alpha Gomers
Enjoy my weekly Substack, Mark McNease On Topic. Subscribe HERE.
Slavery as a career path
Among the most appalling things I’ve heard in 65 years was the recent “curriculum” in Florida that requires history teachers include in their discussions of slavery that some slaves learned useful skills (like how to cut themselves down from a tree?). When I was in the 6th grade, attending a private school, we had to read books every summer. One of them was called ‘To Be a Slave,’ consisting entirely of the lives of slaves described by the slaves themselves. This book would surely be banned today in many states. Slavery was ugly, brutal, vicious, murderous, and demonic (defended with biblical scripture, as we can expect). The images included in the book were searing: men and women with deep scars on their backs from being whipped. Perhaps it taught them the skill of endurance? Embroidery? Surely they learned something they could parlay into a small business after emancipation.
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Interview: 6 Questions for Dave Hughes, Author and Founder of Retire Fabulously
By Mark McNease
I’m delighted to share a new interview with someone I consider a longtime friend, inspiration, and fellow go-getter. Dave Hughes started his website, RetireFabulously.com, ten years ago. We managed to connect, considering some shared demographics with LGBTSr.com. Since then we’ve had many communications and several interviews. I believe he offers some of the best advice on retiring and living in retirement, and he’s now a novelist as well. Can you say dynamo? Enjoy the latest ‘6 Questions’ interview with Dave, and hopefully he’ll inspire some readers to pursue their goals as well, whether you’re retired or not. – Mark
Dave Hughes Congratulations on 10 years of Retire Fabulously! What’s the 411 on Dave Hughes for readers: who/what/where/why.
I enjoyed a reasonably successful career as a software engineer. That’s a broad job title, but at various times in my career, my responsibilities included writing code, customer support, training, and management. Overall, it was very enjoyable. It certainly paid better than being a jazz musician, which was my true passion (and still is). I spent the last 17½ years of my career at Intel Corporation where, in addition to my regular job, I was very active in their diversity and inclusion initiatives, primarily on behalf of LGBTQ employees.
I’m originally from Ohio. I lived in the Washington, DC suburbs for 11½ years before moving to warm, sunny Phoenix, Arizona in late 1995, at age 38. At the time, my motivations were to move to someplace where it doesn’t snow and freeze, and where the cost of living (especially real estate) was much less expensive. At the time, I wasn’t considering where I’d retire, but as it turns out, Phoenix is an excellent place to retire – at least for me.
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The Twist Podcast #234: Slavery As a Career Path, Hodag Highlights with Alex Melli, and an Interview with Kimberlee McGeshick
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as compare small town hellscapes, consider the benefits of slavery, learn about a creature called the hodag from Alex Melli, and listen to Rick’s interview with Kimberlee McGeshick.
Enjoy The Twist on Libsyn, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and TheTwistPodcast.com.
Copyright 2023 MadeMark Publishing
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Book Review: The First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back, by Shannon McKenna Schmidt
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm SezThe First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back, by Shannon McKenna Schmidt
c.2023, Sourcebooks $26.99 336 pagesYou never were much of a homebody.
Not you, not when there were things to see, people to meet, places to go. If there was a get-together, you were there. A trail to explore, you grabbed your boots. Once upon a time, you’d go anywhere for an adventure even if, as in “The First Lady of World War II” by Shannon McKenna Schmidt, it took you straight into the mouth of danger.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey Vaughn: Triggers and Glimmers
A trigger is something that elicits a reaction – often freeze, flight, or fight mechanisms. Glimmers are the opposite of a trigger. How do these concepts apply to cat behavior?
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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Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: The Benefits of Aging in a Multigenerational Home
Reprinted with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources
Editor’s note: I know that many LGBTQ+ seniors don’t have the option to live in a multi-generational home, but it remains a possibility as we, too, have families. We may also find alternatives that involve living with multi-generational housemates, as alternative forms and definitions of family continue to evolve. – Mark/Editor
By Danika Olsen
The concept of multigenerational living, where multiple generations of a family reside under one roof, is not a new one. It has been a common practice throughout history, fostering close-knit relationships and providing support for the elderly.
In recent years, multigenerational living has seen a resurgence, as families are rediscovering the numerous benefits it offers, especially for aging individuals. This article explores the advantages of aging in a multigenerational home and how doing so can lead to enhanced well-being and overall quality of life for seniors.
How Aging in a Multigenerational Home Can Support Seniors
Social Connection and Emotional Support
One of the most significant benefits of multigenerational living for seniors is the opportunity to maintain strong social connections within the family.
Aging can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, but living in a multigenerational home offers regular interaction with younger family members. This intergenerational interaction can help combat feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and emotional support.
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Rick’s Latest Listicle: Top 10 Things I Don’t Have Time for as an Older Person
By Rick Rose
LGBTSr contributor and co-host of The Twist PodcastA new listicle for the listicle-minded! Top 10 things I don’t have time for as an older person. These are in no particular order, as they all annoy me equally. See how many you agree with!
- Arguing with people. As you get older, you learn that it’s not worth your time to argue with people. You’ve got better things to do with your energy. Screw their senseless logic.
- Waiting in line. This just isn’t due to my mobility issues as much as my ever thinning threshold of patience. I do like self check out for this reason and you better believe I get a feel for the folks who are using self check to make sure they have sharper skills than the check out folks.
- Roller coasters. These days, roller coasters are just too much for some older adults. Right? The speed, the heights, and the G-forces that I wanted more and more of are now just too much to handle. Been there, done that…and glad I did!
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The Weekly Readlines July 25
BIG CUP: THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES
Florida history teachers are now required to say slavery was a skill set offered at no cost to the enslaved, kind of like free tuition to college in Hell.
Not to be outdone in the hate stakes, GOP House members struck the only three (3) earmarks in the Transportation-HUD appropriations bill that benefited LGBTQ people, including one for senior housing. I guess we’re never too old to groom!
And Alabama defied the Supreme Court and refused to add a second majority-Black district, paving the way for the rest of us to ignore their rulings, too.
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On the Map: Bethany Beach and Rehoboth, Dalaware
By Mark McNease
We’ve been making annual trips to visit our friends in Bethany Beach for quite a few years now. The pandemic cramped our style for a couple years, but we still managed to get there. And now it’s full-steam ahead, with strolling on the boardwalks in both towns, browsing in Browseabout Books, enjoying the ice cream at Bonkey’s, and having the regularly-scheduled time of our lives. Enjoy the pictures and some travel info about this wonderful part of the country.
A Top Ten Beach Vacation: Bethany Beach and Rehoboth, Delaware
If you’re searching for a destination that combines relaxation and fun, you’ll find it visiting the beautiful beaches of Delaware, including Bethany Beach and Rehoboth. These two destinations offer something for everyone, whether you’re a family looking for a quiet retreat, or a group of friends seeking a vibrant nightlife scene.
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Savvy Senior: The Hidden Danger of Untreated Heartburn
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
Is regular heartburn or acid reflux anything to worry about? I eat a lot of Rolaids throughout the day to help manage it, but it’s gotten worse with age and it keeps me up at night too. What can you tell me?
Belching Bob
Dear Bob,
Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, but frequent episodes can signal a much more serious problem. It’s estimated that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, with around 15 million people who suffer from it daily.
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Podcast Pick: Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
We listened to two episodes of Wiser Then Me and loved it. Jane Fonda was the first episode, and she talked about her third act (60 – 90). It got me thinking about what I want to do in my third act, as I turn 65 in October. Take stock! Are we doing the things we really want to do, and jettisoning those things we don’t really want, or have, to do? Very thought provoking. Her conversations are terrific, and Carol Burnette was as fantastic as she’d made out to be! Give this a listen.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus wants to know why the hell we don’t hear more from older women, so she’s sitting down with Jane Fonda, Carol Burnett, Amy Tan, Diane von Furstenberg, Isabel Allende and Fran Lebowitz (and more!) to get schooled in how to live a full and meaningful life. Join the Emmy award winning-est actress of all time on her first-ever podcast where each week she has funny, touching, personal conversations with unforgettable women who are always WISER THAN ME™.
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The Weekly Readlines July 19
Quote for the times: “Too many people hate the people that AIDS most affects: gay people and people of color. I do not mean dislike, or feel uncomfortable with. I mean hate. Downright hate. Down and dirty hate.” – the late Larry Kramer, true as it ever was
BIG CUP: THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES
Actors joined writers on strike, when SAG-AFTRA walked out over stalled contract negotiations.
Republicans assured defeat of the must-pass Defense bill by stuffing it with anti-women, anti-LGBTQ amendments meant to thrill the base but cripple the military. We predict the extortion will fail.
And California voters will have the chance to right a wrong by repealing Prop 8, the state’s same-sex marriage ban, with a vote in 2024. Be careful what you wish for, they could keep it.
LGBTQ NEWS
Idaho ‘Abortion Travel Ban’ Challenged By LGBT Group
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