Mark McNease

All things are of the substance of dreams

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    • ABOUT ME
  • MADEMARK MEDIA
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  • CLIENTS
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  • LGBTSR,  Where Do Gays Retire

    Where Do Gays Retire Podcast, with Host Mark Goldstein: Uvita, Costa Rica with Joe Studer and Keith Foley

    November 29, 2023 /

    I’m pleased to bring you episodes of Mark Goldstein’s ‘Where Do Gays Retire?’ Podcast. We’ll start with the most recent, and you can expect new episodes to be shared here at LGBTSr.com. You can find all of his podcasts at his site HERE.

    CLICK TO LISTEN IN A NEW WINDOW!

    Uvita, Costa Rica with Joe Studer and Keith Foley

    About this episode

    Keith and Joe moved to Costa Rica after many years of living in Arizona.  They have been together for 16 years.  They both had a dream of living in Costa Rica and running a small hotel.  3 years ago, they finally made it come true, finding the perfect hotel in Uvita Costa Rica.  They sold their home in Arizona and bought Nature’s Edge Hotel in March 2020.  The US borders shut the exact week that they planned to move due to Covid, so they had to manage a major hotel renovation project remotely from the states.  The borders finally opened in September 2020, allowing them to finally arrive in Costa Rica.  Their first hotel guests arrived in December 2020.

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    Editor
  • LGBTSR,  Savvy Senior

    Savvy Senior: How a Health Savings Account Can Boost Your Retirement Savings

    November 21, 2023 /
    https://lgbtsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ElevenLabs_2023-11-21T20_21_55_Antoni_pre_s50_sb75_se0_m2.mp3

    Narration provided by Wondervox.

    Jim Miller

    Dear Savvy Senior,

    I’m interested in contributing to a health savings account to help boost my retirement savings but would like to better understand how they work. What can you tell me?

    Almost 60

    Dear Almost,

    A health savings account, or HSA, is a fantastic financial tool that can help you build up a tax-free stash of money for medical expenses now and after you retire. But to qualify, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan. Here’s an overview of how they work and how you can open one.

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    Editor
  • The Twist Podcast

    The Twist Podcast #245: Thanksgiving Thicket, Tuberville’s Tantrum, and An Interview Small Plate with Author Dave Hughes

    November 18, 2023 /

    Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we chat up Thanksgiving, ponder the damage done to military families by Senator Tommy Tuberville, and enjoy an excerpt from Mark’s One Thing or Another Podcast interview with author Dave Hughes. News, views, and more Twist listicles.

    About our Sponsors

    The Twist Podcast is brought to you by Queer We Are where you’ll find a podcast, newsletter, merch and more in the Queer We Are shop.

    Enjoy The Twist on Libsyn, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and TheTwistPodcast.com.

    Copyright 2023 MadeMark Publishing

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    Editor
  • Kapok,  LGBTSR

    Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: The Best Vacations for Seniors with Limited Mobility

    November 16, 2023 /
    https://lgbtsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/KAPOK-VACATION.mp3

    Narration provided by Wondervox.

     

    Reprinted with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources

    By Angelica Herrera Venson, DrPH, MPH

    There is often a misconception that your life becomes dull and monotonous as you age. On the contrary, the itch to be a globe trekker only gets stronger with age, as you become eager to cross off items off your bucket list.

    You may be discouraged because of mobility issues or, as a caregiver, may feel that the idea of traveling with a loved one with a disability may be more stressful than relaxing. The good news is you shouldn’t refrain from enjoying the beautiful years post-retirement or miss the opportunity to explore new cultures.

    While it may require some planning, there is no shortage of vacations for seniors with limited mobility and their caregivers. In this article, we share some of the best vacation spots, along with ideas about how to get the most out of your travels.

    Vacation Spots and Ideas to Consider

    Philadelphia

    A beautiful city with plenty of accessible museums, restaurants, historic sites, hotels, and restaurants, Philadelphia has plenty going for it. When you’re getting around in the city, you can choose to reach your destination via the transportation authority offering wheelchair-accessible buses with lifts and ramps.

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    Editor
  • Events,  LGBTSR

    EVENTS: Author Lucas Hildebrand Discusses His New Book, The Bars Are Ours: Histories and Cultures of Gay Bars in America, 1960 and After (December 5)

    November 16, 2023 /

    When: December 5
    Where: Zoom and Facebook
    Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
    Virtual via Zoom and FaceBook Live
    Registration required:
    https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kcI9GBaiR0CF4nZ4e8Tz1A#/registration

    Via TransMedia News

    Conversation Series Hosted by Stonewall National Museum, Archives and Library

    Author Lucas Hilderbrand’s new book The Bars Are Ours: Histories and Cultures of Gay Bars in America, 1960, will be released on November 21 and at 6:30pm EST on December 5, 2023, Hilderbrand will be live on Zoom and Facebook to discuss and answer questions.

    Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kcI9GBaiR0CF4nZ4e8Tz1A#/registration

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    Editor
  • Book Reviews,  Terri Schlichenmeyer

    Terri Schlichenmeyer’s Holiday Book Gift Guide (Fiction and Non-Fiction)

    November 12, 2023 /

    By Terri Schlichenmeyer
    The Bookworm Sez

    One thin line.

    There you are, you’ve just crossed off your last person, thereby finishing your Holiday Gift List for the year. But oops, you forgot that one hard-to-buy-for aunt, and you haven’t gotten anything for your babysitter. And, and, and… you’re out of ideas. So how about something to read? See if these great books don’t give you some guidance…

    FICTION

    The novel lover who’s always doing good things for other people may enjoy unwrapping “Just Do This One Thing for Me” by Laura Zimmermann (Dutton). It’s the story of a daughter who always does what her free-spirited mother asks of her – even if it gets her in trouble. Wrap it up with “Time’s Undoing” by Cheryl A. Head (Dutton), a novel about a woman who’s determined to learn how her great-grandfather died, and how what it means to her safety. Bonus: this book was based on the author’s own family history.

    The reader who loves twisty tales of sister love and rivalry will want to unwrap “How to Care for a Human Girl” by Ashley Wurzbacher (Atria), the story of two sisters, two pregnancies, and a whole pile of resentments. Pair it up with “Before You Found Me” by Brooke Beyfuss (Sourcebooks). It’s a tale of choosing your family and sticking together.

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    Editor
  • One Thing or Another Columns

    One Thing or Another: Age Is Not Just a Number

    November 12, 2023 /
    https://lgbtsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ElevenLabs_2023-11-12T12_03_47_Antoni_pre_s75_sb75_se0_m2.mp3

    Narration provided by Wondervox.

     

    By Mark McNease

    Welcome back to the One Thing or Another column: A lighthearted look at life, aging, and the absurdities of it all.

    “Age is just a number!” How many times have we heard this uttered with grating cheer, as if getting older was just a figment of someone else’s imagination. To this way of thinking, I’m not really real, I’m a number-defying sprite whose bones, sinews, and brain aren’t in their mid-60s, but somewhere preferable, perhaps 40. I have the luxury of pretending to be any age but the one I am. I’ve always cringed when I heard this, and I always will.

    Age is not just a number. Age is empirical. Age is a measurement—how many times the Earth has traveled around the sun, with me on the bridge watching it all speed by. Age is the number of years my knees have carried my fluctuating weight, and how many mornings my eyes have opened to a new day. Age is the truth, and I’m not someone who wants to hide from it with platitudes, euphemisms, and make-believe.

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    Editor
  • Savvy Senior

    Savvy Senior: Misleading Medicare Advantage Ads: What to Look Out For

    November 10, 2023 /
    https://lgbtsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ElevenLabs_2023-11-10T11_42_20_Antoni_pre_s75_sb75_se0_m2.mp3

    Article narration provided by Wondervox.

    By Jim Miller

    Dear Savvy Senior,

    I’m currently enrolled in original Medicare but have been thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period. Many of the Medicare Advantage ads I’ve seen offer lots of extra benefits beyond what traditional Medicare offers and no monthly premiums. What are your thoughts?

    Considering a Switch

    Dear Considering,

    Be very leery of the Medicare Advantage ads on TV, radio, social media and that come in the mail. While many of these ads may tout free vision, hearing, dental and other benefits with zero monthly premiums, they aren’t always what they claim to be.

    Advantage Basics

    Medicare Advantage or MA plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are government approved health plans sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. The vast majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies such as HMOs or PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors in a geographic area. You can sign up for one of them during open-enrollment season from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

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    Editor
  • Cat Talk Radio,  Molly DeVoss

    Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey Vaugh: Adolescence in Cats

    November 10, 2023 /

    CLICK TO LISTEN

    One of our listeners, Teague, sent in seven very thoughtful questions about adolescence in cats. This is a crucial period for your cat, as the kitten social development period is, that can dictate their personality as an adult. Learn when adolescence is, the behaviors to expect, and the best way to mitigate behavior issues during this time.

    About Cat Talk Radio

    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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    Editor
  • LGBTSR

    LGBTSr Merch Mug: Now You Can Help Support LGBTSr and Enjoy Your Coffee, Too!

    November 5, 2023 /
    https://lgbtsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ElevenLabs_2023-11-05T10_11_26_Antoni_pre_s75_sb75_se0_m2-1.mp3

     

    What better way to start your day than with a cup or mug of your favorite beverage! Now you can enjoy your morning routine and help support LGBTSr at the same time.

    These mugs are available at my Shopify store, MadeMarkShop.com. Make your mark with MadeMark. Choices include fancy mug with blue interior, basic mug, and a jumbo mug for the serious coffee drinkers like me.

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    Editor
  • LGBTSR

    Brad Shreve Brings the Good News with Queer We Are Weekly Newsletter: Keeping it Positive

    November 5, 2023 /
    https://lgbtsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ElevenLabs_2023-11-05T10_11_26_Antoni_pre_s75_sb75_se0_m2.mp3

     

    Exhausted by the constant barrage of a bad-news-driven media? Weary of being told to fret, fear and freakout? Then this newsletter is for you – and me!

    We have so many things to celebrate, honor and be … well, happy about. With the Queer We Are Good News newsletter, you can get that bad news vax and keep the sadz away. You can always head back to the Washington Post, New York Times, or any 24/7 cable news channel for a heaping helping of toxic talk. This newsletter will be your armor. As someone once said, time is a non-renewable resource. Don’t spend it all on end-of-the-world clickbait. Sign up now and start your week right!

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    Editor
  • The Twist Podcast

    The Twist Podcast #244: House Speaker Squeaker, Belize Please, and an Interview with Rob Pero, Founder of Canndigenous

    November 3, 2023 /

    Rob Pero, Founder of Canndigenous

    Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we strap back into the hotseat after a few weeks off. We chat about the House Speaker Follies, Rick’s upcoming trip to Belize, and enjoy an interview with Rob Pero, Found of Canndigenous, a Native-owned CBD company dedicated to helping the indigenous community it supports.

    About Canndigenous

    Rob Pero is a serial entrepreneur, savvy marketer, and proud member of the Bad River Tribe. Like preceding generations of Ojibwe people, his core values are rooted in love for family, support for community, respect for the natural world, and a commitment to doing everything, as the Ojibwe say, ‘in a good way’.

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    Editor
  • LGBTSR

    Ann Cleeves Hits Another Homerun in the Matthew Venn Series

    November 1, 2023 /
    https://lgbtsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ElevenLabs_2023-11-01T10_35_57_Antoni_pre_s75_sb75_se0_m2.mp3

    Narration provided by Wondervox.

    By Mark McNease

    I’ll be talking some more about Ann Cleeves’ Matthew Venn series on the upcoming Mark McNease Mysteries Podcast.

    What stands out in this series is the exploration of identity, relationships, and the shades of gray in between. It’s an effective combination of a gripping mystery and a deep, personal journey.

    I’m a relatively recent fan of established mystery master Ann Cleeves. With her intricate plots and deep, complex characters, it’s no surprise that this British author is one of the leading figures in contemporary mystery fiction. She creates atmospheric settings that make you feel like you’re right there on scene, whether it’s the wild and windy Shetland Islands or the quaint, secluded villages of Northumberland.

    She’s invented some of the most iconic detective characters in contemporary fiction: Jimmy Perez from the ‘Shetland’ series, and Vera Stanhope from the ‘Vera Stanhope’ series. Both protagonists exhibit layers of complexity that make them as unpredictable as the mysteries they’re trying to solve. They become like old friends who you’ve known forever, with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies.

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    Editor
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