Kate Collins's Blog, page 204
February 9, 2014
Another Lie, Another Dollar
by Kate CollinsDo you take vitamins and other supplements? If so, YOU MAY BE AT RISK!
Not.
But this is what the pharmaceutical lobbyists would like you to believe. They want you to fear that no one is watching over the supplement industry, therefore, DO NOT TAKE THEM.
They couldn't be more wrong. But they could scare you out of buying products that might make you healthier, more resistant to infections and viruses and bacteria that might otherwise send you to the doctor for -- drum roll, please --- pharmaceuticals!
Look at the very first sentence on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Website. There, it plainly states:
"FDA regulates both finished dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients. FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering 'conventional' foods and drug products. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA):
FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market."
So there!
Do you want supplements regulated like drugs, which is what many officials are pushing for? Are you kidding me? If you think drugs are safer, take a look at these scary facts. (Source: Mercola.com, http://tinyurl.com/lhf6lbh)
"Prescription medications kill over 100,000 people each year when properly prescribed, while vitamins have not caused a single death in 27 years.
Painkillers alone kill 23,000 Americans each year. And Vioxx, created by Merck, was responsible for over 60,000 deaths before being pulled off the market. That was just ONE drug approved by the FDA as "safe."
As for counterfeit supplements, yes, some illegal products do enter the market, but so do counterfeit drugs." Does the existence of illegal or counterfeit drugs indicate a lack of drug regulation? No, because there's a difference between regulation and enforcement.
So next time someone in the news brings up the safety of your vitamins or dietary supplements, you can guess who or what is behind it. As always, follow the money.
February 8, 2014
The Two Faces of Facebook
by Leann
First of all, I like Facebook. I get to see pics of my grandkids doing all sorts of wonderful things. I keep up with extended family. I share joy and heartbreak with many people. For a basically introverted writer who spends a lot of time in the company of two cats and a dog for the better part of the day, it's a good thing.
But there is a nasty side to human nature and at times the anonymity of saying something mean through the keys on a computer can be troubling. It
happened to my friend just the other day. Something innocently shared turned into a major political argument with harsh commentary. Things were said that would probably never be said had these people been in the same room together. She was hurt and offended. These things happen. Words on a screen without accompanying facial expressions and voice inflections are easily misinterpreted. Discussions can get out of hand quickly and if I see that happening on my page I quickly hide the discussion and try to forget about it--which is what she did. We all have opinions and opinions are not truth. But not everyone would agree.
Then there is the amazing, kind, generous, wonderful side of Facebook. That is what I experience 99% of the time. A cat that a friend and I rescued--a purebred Persian who had been abandoned, was flea-infested and scared--ended up in a forever home with my daughter and son-in-law. He is a precious boy and they love him dearly. But he is getting up in years. This past week he collapsed and my son-in-law, who fortunately now works from home, was there when it happened. He rushed Simone (girl name, boy cat--and that's a long story) to the vet. It was a serious heart and vascular problem for the fur baby.
I posted a call for positive thoughts and prayers for Simone--as I have
done for my own sick kitty Marlowe in the past--and the response was so wonderful, kind and almost overwhelming. These are my true friends, these Facebook people, most of whom I have never met. I know that the outpouring of positive energy helped because Simone returned home on Friday. He still has to be watched, is on several medications but it was touch and go for a while. The universe was kind thanks in part to the people who have befriended me, a little known mid-list writer. I am amazed!
I am also grateful, and for me, these are the people I would love to meet in person. The ones who reach out with kindness and caring immediately--as all of you who read this blog have done so many times. You are the ones who are there to give me a boost when I need it most. So, thank you for your humanity and thank you Facebook for facilitating the meeting of like-minded folks. Cyber hugs to all of you!
First of all, I like Facebook. I get to see pics of my grandkids doing all sorts of wonderful things. I keep up with extended family. I share joy and heartbreak with many people. For a basically introverted writer who spends a lot of time in the company of two cats and a dog for the better part of the day, it's a good thing.
But there is a nasty side to human nature and at times the anonymity of saying something mean through the keys on a computer can be troubling. It happened to my friend just the other day. Something innocently shared turned into a major political argument with harsh commentary. Things were said that would probably never be said had these people been in the same room together. She was hurt and offended. These things happen. Words on a screen without accompanying facial expressions and voice inflections are easily misinterpreted. Discussions can get out of hand quickly and if I see that happening on my page I quickly hide the discussion and try to forget about it--which is what she did. We all have opinions and opinions are not truth. But not everyone would agree.
Then there is the amazing, kind, generous, wonderful side of Facebook. That is what I experience 99% of the time. A cat that a friend and I rescued--a purebred Persian who had been abandoned, was flea-infested and scared--ended up in a forever home with my daughter and son-in-law. He is a precious boy and they love him dearly. But he is getting up in years. This past week he collapsed and my son-in-law, who fortunately now works from home, was there when it happened. He rushed Simone (girl name, boy cat--and that's a long story) to the vet. It was a serious heart and vascular problem for the fur baby.
I posted a call for positive thoughts and prayers for Simone--as I have
done for my own sick kitty Marlowe in the past--and the response was so wonderful, kind and almost overwhelming. These are my true friends, these Facebook people, most of whom I have never met. I know that the outpouring of positive energy helped because Simone returned home on Friday. He still has to be watched, is on several medications but it was touch and go for a while. The universe was kind thanks in part to the people who have befriended me, a little known mid-list writer. I am amazed!I am also grateful, and for me, these are the people I would love to meet in person. The ones who reach out with kindness and caring immediately--as all of you who read this blog have done so many times. You are the ones who are there to give me a boost when I need it most. So, thank you for your humanity and thank you Facebook for facilitating the meeting of like-minded folks. Cyber hugs to all of you!
February 7, 2014
ARE YOU GETTING YOUR ZZZ'S?
by Mary Kennedy
If you’re tossing and turning for hours and the idea of a good night’s sleep is just an elusive dream, you’re not alone. A recent study revealed that a third of adult Americans feel sleep deprived. Racing thoughts, worries about work and family responsibilities keep their brain on high alert; they simply can’t relax and let go.
If you’re feeling exhausted, here are a few simple tricks to get you and your sleep patterns back on track.
Have you ruled out medical or psychological issues? Chronic pain, anxiety, stress, worry and depression all can inhibit a good night’s sleep.
Noise and light will rob you of sleep. Any light source that’s brighter than a four watt bulb can interfere with melatonin production which is necessary for a good night's sleep. Black out shades can be effective in reducing early morning light. A “white noise” machine can help with annoying background noises.
Finally, most sleep experts recommend banishing your pets from the bedroom. Yes, I know that's hard to do, our furry friends love to be near us.
What do you do when you just can't sleep? (And by the way, Mr. Jingles can be adopted at UPAWS, Marquette County's no-kill shelter in MI.)
by Mary Kennedy
If you’re tossing and turning for hours and the idea of a good night’s sleep is just an elusive dream, you’re not alone. A recent study revealed that a third of adult Americans feel sleep deprived. Racing thoughts, worries about work and family responsibilities keep their brain on high alert; they simply can’t relax and let go.
If you’re feeling exhausted, here are a few simple tricks to get you and your sleep patterns back on track.
Have you ruled out medical or psychological issues? Chronic pain, anxiety, stress, worry and depression all can inhibit a good night’s sleep.
Noise and light will rob you of sleep. Any light source that’s brighter than a four watt bulb can interfere with melatonin production which is necessary for a good night's sleep. Black out shades can be effective in reducing early morning light. A “white noise” machine can help with annoying background noises. 
Finally, most sleep experts recommend banishing your pets from the bedroom. Yes, I know that's hard to do, our furry friends love to be near us. 
What do you do when you just can't sleep? (And by the way, Mr. Jingles can be adopted at UPAWS, Marquette County's no-kill shelter in MI.)
by Mary Kennedy
February 6, 2014
Where inspiration comes from
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
I'm working on Booktown #9 (which, so far, has no title ... might be a contest in that, but not quite yet). In the beginning, there is no plot. That's just the way I work. For months and months I've been ruminating about the subplots, and so that's where I've been concentrating my efforts. But now I've got the plot and it's been full steam ahead.
But once you get the basics of the plot, you have to fill in the rest.
In this book, I've introduced a new entity in Stoneham; the Historical Society. But where would such an entity be located and what would it entail? Of course, I have backstory I can mine, and this time I've mined the home of Hiram Stone, Stoneham's founding father.
But what would the home look like?
Well, what do I know about historical places in New England? Not a lot ... but I know how to use Google and I also watch TV. So, my house and garden are based on a house I saw on a recent episode of This Old House. The place is known as The Gardens At Elm Bank, and it is breathtakingly beautiful.
Of course, at this point, I've only had one scene take place at the house and garden--a lot of research went into this, but it may just be that it has little more than a drive-by in the finished story.
But that's the way research works. Writers often gain encyclopedic knowledge on one aspect of a story, when they can only use a few nuggets. But boy do I now want to visit that garden. So ... a trip to Massachusetts might be in my future.
Do you like learning about real places and things when you read a novel?
I'm working on Booktown #9 (which, so far, has no title ... might be a contest in that, but not quite yet). In the beginning, there is no plot. That's just the way I work. For months and months I've been ruminating about the subplots, and so that's where I've been concentrating my efforts. But now I've got the plot and it's been full steam ahead.
But once you get the basics of the plot, you have to fill in the rest.
In this book, I've introduced a new entity in Stoneham; the Historical Society. But where would such an entity be located and what would it entail? Of course, I have backstory I can mine, and this time I've mined the home of Hiram Stone, Stoneham's founding father.
But what would the home look like?
Well, what do I know about historical places in New England? Not a lot ... but I know how to use Google and I also watch TV. So, my house and garden are based on a house I saw on a recent episode of This Old House. The place is known as The Gardens At Elm Bank, and it is breathtakingly beautiful.Of course, at this point, I've only had one scene take place at the house and garden--a lot of research went into this, but it may just be that it has little more than a drive-by in the finished story.
But that's the way research works. Writers often gain encyclopedic knowledge on one aspect of a story, when they can only use a few nuggets. But boy do I now want to visit that garden. So ... a trip to Massachusetts might be in my future.
Do you like learning about real places and things when you read a novel?
February 5, 2014
Welcome to my root canal
By Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria AbbottBy the time you read this, I should be strapped to a dentist’s chair with my mouth wired open, a couple of burly attendants preventing me from making a dive through the sixth floor window. A pricey drill will be whirring and no doubt the root canal specialist will be asking me questions. My answers will be muffled as will my screams. Any dignity I once had will have left the building. Okay, I’m exaggerating. I no longer fear the dentist. I will go meekly to this appointment because I know it’s the best thing. However, part of me is thinking why didn’t that sore tooth just turn out to be a cavity or a bit of gum recession? Have I been ticking like a time bomb for months? “Do you do root canals?” I asked my dentist when he determined that’s what was needed. “Oh sure.” “Why can’t you do this one?” “Well, it’s complicated.” Huh. Outside of romantic comedies, those are words you don’t want to hear. Never mind. This will make three visits to a dentist in ten days, one course of antibiotics and quite a bit of whining to anyone who’ll listen. I know I’m lucky I could get it taken care of and that the root canal specialist will be charming and gentle and it’s a first-world problem. My hubby said, “Imagine if this had been three hundred years ago.” I knew I was looking haggard, but seriously. Of course, he’s right. We are fortunate to be living in a time when so much is possible, even if some of it hurts. However, when I get back if I have a few soothing comments from my friends and a digital back pat or two, I bet that will help. Plus feel free to share your dental and root canal stories. Once I’m finished, I’ll be glad to hear them. Muffled hugs to all and please, my friends, be kind to your teeth. They have ways at getting back at you. MJ
February 4, 2014
A Beewitched Oops
Oops! A big apology to friend and chick, Maggie, for getting overly excited about my new release yesterday and posting in front of her. Shame on me. Today is my day, not Tuesday, and you'd think I'd know that after all this time.
But Maggie is a forgiving soul and didn't hold it against me. In fact, she went one step further and did her own shout-outs on my behalf.
So...here's my news after fourteen months without a visit to Story Fischer. Yesterday book 5 came out in the Queen Bee series.
BEEWITCHED!!Hope I'm not the only one who has these 'senior' moments/days/weeks...
February 3, 2014
Escape to Warmer Climes
by Maggie SeftonI've escaped the Cold! Yay! I'm here in a really, really, really warm and sunny place in southwest Mexico for a while, writing away and enjoying the temperate weather. Ajijic, Mexico is a lovely little village on the banks of the largest lake in Mexico, Lake Chapala. (That is NOT a photo of Lakes Chapala. I haven't had time to take a photo yet but will post one next time. The photo above was taken on my cruise into the Eastern Carribbean in January 2013).
Ajijic is filled with ex-Patriots, mostly Americans, Brits, and Canadians. There's also a lively artist colony here, I'm told. Deb Baker and I are staying in a very pretty 2-story house owned by the American landlady next door. Patios are everywhere and two rooftop terraces with sunny and shady spots. We both plan to write, write, write while here, enjoying the milder weather and escaping from this ghastly U.S. winter.
We've only explored a little in the two days we've been here. But we'll be visiting the lake tomorrow. Will post photos here and on Facebook.
ATTENTION: Deb Baker's newest Beekeeping Mystery--- BEEWITCHED ---comes out today, Tuesday, February 4th. Look for it!!
February 2, 2014
Bon Voyage, Key West
by Kate Collins
First shock to my system was all the whiteness. White everywhere. Nothing but white.
Second shock was the bitter cold.
To think that only one day ago I was wearing a sundress and sandals, walking down streets lined with palm trees and purple, pink, and yellow bougainvillea, and gigantic bird of paradise plants -- and now I'm shivering in a thick sweater, jeans, boots and a winter coat.
I know. Boo hoo.
It's amazing how quickly a body gets used to the warm climate and forgets what it feels like to be really cold. As I watched stories on TV about the horrendous snowstorms that have pelted my hometown near Chicago, there was such a feeling of disconnect. Wasn't it June, not January? It felt that way to me.
So now I'm trying to reset my internal temperature as well as my internal clock to the different time zone.
I don't really have a point other than that I wanted to share some of the photos I took. I hope you enjoy them. Maybe they will help you feel just a little bit warmer.
Photo 1: Isn't this the most gorgeous bird of paradise plant? It was in a planter on someone's front porch.
Photo 2: Just your average Wookie doing some window shopping on Duval Street.
Photo 3: A wacky clock that I bought simply because it looks like something Abby's mom would make
Photo 4: My last Key West sunset before heading home.
And don't forget! THROW IN THE TROWEL comes out tomorrow! (Feb 4, 2014). You'll love it. Wait till you see what Abby's mom makes in this story.
Did you get away this winter or have plans to?
First shock to my system was all the whiteness. White everywhere. Nothing but white.
Second shock was the bitter cold.
To think that only one day ago I was wearing a sundress and sandals, walking down streets lined with palm trees and purple, pink, and yellow bougainvillea, and gigantic bird of paradise plants -- and now I'm shivering in a thick sweater, jeans, boots and a winter coat.I know. Boo hoo.
It's amazing how quickly a body gets used to the warm climate and forgets what it feels like to be really cold. As I watched stories on TV about the horrendous snowstorms that have pelted my hometown near Chicago, there was such a feeling of disconnect. Wasn't it June, not January? It felt that way to me.
So now I'm trying to reset my internal temperature as well as my internal clock to the different time zone.
I don't really have a point other than that I wanted to share some of the photos I took. I hope you enjoy them. Maybe they will help you feel just a little bit warmer.
Photo 1: Isn't this the most gorgeous bird of paradise plant? It was in a planter on someone's front porch.
Photo 2: Just your average Wookie doing some window shopping on Duval Street.
Photo 3: A wacky clock that I bought simply because it looks like something Abby's mom would make
Photo 4: My last Key West sunset before heading home.
And don't forget! THROW IN THE TROWEL comes out tomorrow! (Feb 4, 2014). You'll love it. Wait till you see what Abby's mom makes in this story.
Did you get away this winter or have plans to?
February 1, 2014
Super Snack Food Day
by Leann
I love pictures of food. I love recipes. I love to eat--even though many foods no longer love me anymore. We have Thanksgiving and Christmas and Easter and Hanukkah "specialties" depending on your family and often depending on where you live.
But today? The food is universal. It's wings and dips and chili and chips
and crackers and cheese and beer and soft drinks and nuts and ... you get the idea. Scientists are always studying strange things and I am wondering which day of the years is the worst for Americans' health. Do THAT study because I'm thinking it's today. That doesn't mean I won't line my arteries with Velveeta along with the best of them, but really, could there be anything worse that what we consume on Super Bowl Sunday?
I receive many--okay WAY TOO MANY--recipe newsletters online. For the last two weeks it's been nothing but snack food enticements. Easy dips, fancy dips (I'm thinking of the artichoke and roasted red pepper dip recipe I got a couple days ago--yum!) and even ways to make steak and then serve it on a cracker.
First off, I am not serving steak on a cracker. Second off, that has to be one strong cracker no matter how tender the steak is. But if it fits into a snack food category, it's on for the Super Bowl.
I know the grocery store folks are making a killing on cheese and Rotel
tomatoes and little sausages and chicken wings. And right around the corner, you got it, we have Valentine's day. At least people don't make an all day feast out of chocolate hearts. Or do they?
What are you cooking up for Super Bowl Sunday. (And can I come over?)
I love pictures of food. I love recipes. I love to eat--even though many foods no longer love me anymore. We have Thanksgiving and Christmas and Easter and Hanukkah "specialties" depending on your family and often depending on where you live.
But today? The food is universal. It's wings and dips and chili and chips
and crackers and cheese and beer and soft drinks and nuts and ... you get the idea. Scientists are always studying strange things and I am wondering which day of the years is the worst for Americans' health. Do THAT study because I'm thinking it's today. That doesn't mean I won't line my arteries with Velveeta along with the best of them, but really, could there be anything worse that what we consume on Super Bowl Sunday?
I receive many--okay WAY TOO MANY--recipe newsletters online. For the last two weeks it's been nothing but snack food enticements. Easy dips, fancy dips (I'm thinking of the artichoke and roasted red pepper dip recipe I got a couple days ago--yum!) and even ways to make steak and then serve it on a cracker. First off, I am not serving steak on a cracker. Second off, that has to be one strong cracker no matter how tender the steak is. But if it fits into a snack food category, it's on for the Super Bowl.
I know the grocery store folks are making a killing on cheese and Rotel
tomatoes and little sausages and chicken wings. And right around the corner, you got it, we have Valentine's day. At least people don't make an all day feast out of chocolate hearts. Or do they?What are you cooking up for Super Bowl Sunday. (And can I come over?)
January 31, 2014
Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest
Hosted By Ellery AdamsIt's the first of the month and a chance to win an e-gift card for $10 to the bookstore of your choice).
This is how it works: I post a few lines from a cozy mystery. You post the title and author in the comment section. If you can't figure out the title, I'll count your answer as being correct if you can pinpoint the author. Then, I'll draw a random name from the winning guesses and post that person's name on Facebook on the 7th of each month.
Okay, here we go! Here are the lines from this month's mystery cozy:
"The summer was unusually warm, with those nasty biting midges of the Highlands our in full force."
Ellery's helpful hint - This is a very long-running series. Good Luck!
