Author: szpinner
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July 12 – Turning up the ‘crank’
Errr…he’s becoming a very disguntled old curmudgeon, more so each day that goes by. You Don’t Tug….….on Superman’s cape….you don’t spit into the wind….you don’t pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger….and you don’t **** around with Miz.Jo and … Continue reading
Tip # 6 – Write better books
Before diving into your book, do a “blueprint” of the entire work first. The book will then write itself. Write a basic outline with headings Do a bullet list of points under each heading Sweat over and work over the … Continue reading
TIP #5 – Build your database
Develop a database of promotion – marketing contacts. Research and reach out to these places in your community and offer to hold a book meeting for their clubs, organizations, meeting groups: City City clubs City organizations (Rotary Club?) Central public … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Catholic education, a painful memory
In light of the residential schools in the news currently, it is with sad memories that I recall methods of discipline used in the Catholic schools I attended as a young boy. Holy Angels was an elementary Catholic school run … Continue reading
TIP #4 – Get a name
Get the person’s name: whenever you deal with someone who is potentially assisting you with book promotion, sales, marketing, get their name, phone number, email address People like the personal touch and you will have a connection with a real person. … Continue reading
TIP #3 – Pass on Tim Horton’s
Skip Tim Horton’s but patronize your small local coffee shop. Get to know the owner as a struggling writer. Ask if the owner would host a book promo event. They hand out coupons with coffee discounts with your book information … Continue reading
TIP #2 – Your librarian, your friend
Become friends with your local library. Get to know the librarians. Bring them a box of cookies, a tray of cupcakes congratulating them on surviving the pandemic. Introduce yourself as a writer and tout your book. Ask them if they … Continue reading
TIP #1 – Indie Bookstores
Make friends at a local ‘Indie’ bookstore. Buy something at your local Indie bookstore and work on developing a relationship with them. Get to know them as a customer before asking them to help you promote your book. Give them … Continue reading
WAG writer Henn wins Canada Books Awards for her debut book
Another WAR writer hits it big ! Congratulations to WAG writer, EVA HENN!!! Eva Henn, one of our WAG writers, has received the CANADA BOOK AWARD for her debut book, “Towards the LIght,” her memoir of her family’s escape from … Continue reading
INDIAN IN THE CABINET: SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER, Jody Wilson-Raybould
INDIAN IN THE CABINET: SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER, Jody Wilson-Raybould This is a longer review than I normally write. I was particularly interested in Wilson-Raybould’s book because of the unusual brevity of what I believed would be a long career. … Continue reading
Gazarek PDF on MEDIA KITS
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New GOVERNOR GENERAL: Mary Simon
Mary Simon, first Indigenous person to hold the office, announced as Canada’s 30th Governor General. Mary Simon, OC, QC, comes from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik and was born in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik. She is the former past president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the National … Continue reading
July 5 – health check, tech challenge and Canada shame?
Rotzy updates everyone on the state of the ‘Onion (him) and his use of technology. About Two Weeks Ago….….I suspect that about 98% of Canadians had never heard of Lytton, B.C. The same could be said about most BC’ers, unless … Continue reading
Trudeau
Trudeau letter:DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH. I wrote an open letter to “Junior” in Ottawa. I also wrote others for input/feedback regarding my letter to Trudeau. Not one responded. I find that amazing. (Jody Raybould-Wilson, Erin O’Toole, Jagmeet Singh, Charlie Angus, … Continue reading
OVER 60: Ya gotta drink lotsa water
Water is far more important to your well being than thought at first glance. It is very important to maintain high hydration by drinking water regularly throughout the day, every 2 -3 hours is ideal. Whenever I teach clinical medicine … Continue reading
All European church bells rang at noon today thanks to Hungarian bravery and courage centuries ago
For those lucky enough to be in a piazza, a central city square, in any European city at noon today….. You would have heard church bells ringing, in every Church, in ever European city. They were not ringing for any … Continue reading
The SZPINNER JULY 2021 NEWSLETTER
This edition of my monthly newsletter is heavy! It was very difficult to write as its publication date coincided with CANADA DAY. Normally, that is a day of celebration, fireworks and festivity but in light of the horrendous news … Continue reading
Henn on CANADA DAY
Just My OpinionEva Henn A commentary and opinion as written by Eva Henn, author of her memoir, “Towards the Light“ I, for one, will most certainly be celebrating Canada Day as I have for many previous years. I think back … Continue reading
June 28 – censored “rant-age”
There are days when one should not get out of bed…Rotzy’s having one of those days…it’s a mix of good and bad. What A Week, Huh?! *This week’s “F/N” column is gonna need way more (*R*-Restricted) notices for the ‘Highs … Continue reading
TIP #3 – Consider PEER ANALYSIS
You may think you writing is good. But it might not be. Why not put it to some peers who are willing to give it an objective consideration and analysis to confirm or refute what you believe. WAG CRITIQUING is … Continue reading
Rules for living after 64
Many of us are older than 65…if you are consider these rules to live by for the remaining years. It’s time to use the money you saved upUse it and enjoy it. Don’t just keep it for those who may … Continue reading
TIP #2 – Do your RESEARCH as you write. Confirm your facts before final editing.
Do your research before you write. Confirm that your information is accurate: geographic information, technological data, historical dates, spelling of names, correct use of foreign phrases. It is crucial that readers feel the material presented is accurate, valid and correct … Continue reading
June 22 – dang computer probs
Rotzy launches the first day os summer with gardening woes, rent laments and road rage rejctions… Last Week…. yours truly made a sincere/concentrated effort to ”DE-COVID” the entire “F/N” column….or perhaps “UN-COVID” it, if you prefer. Well, if I don’t … Continue reading
The INNOCENT MAN, John Grisham
Believe it or not? Grisham writes a non-fiction book, one which some will find tedious reading because of its overwhelming attention to real life events in endless detail.
My name is ….
My name is SZPIN. Pronounce it as SPIN but remember, I’m Polish. So we insert a Z somewhere but logically as related to the language. My family was too poor to afford a “ski,” so it was never Szpinski. Just … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: An open letter to MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq
Recently NDP Member of Parliament, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, spoke out about her maltreatment in the House of Commons. Profiled in the hallways by lazy and professionally incompetent security guards, Qaqqaq has finally had enough and has publically stated all that troubles … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: Dog Ford retains INCOMPETENCE, instead of EJECTing it
The mutt at Queen’s Park, Dog Ford, acts on the incompetency of Minister Merrilee Fullerton, ex-Minister of Long Term Care but she might consider a sideline tutoring ‘sycophancy’ at which she must excel. A the big kahuna, Doggie, lashes out … Continue reading
June 17 – Minutes
ATTENDEES: SHARON D., DENNIS G., EVA H., SAJEDA M., PETA-GAYE N., HOWARD P., RICK P., RICHARD S., SHEILA T., IAN R., BALA M.,Guest speaker: Colin McClean Announcements, Opportunities: Congratulations to these WAG members in receiving the Canada Book AwardKathleen Gauer: … Continue reading
Jul 17 – BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS: Colin McClean
Due to the size of the file, it is available as an emailed attachment only….upon individual request.
7 Foods for Arthritic relief
One in six Canadian adults has arthritis. Although most are 75 or older, many are much younger. The two most common forms of the disease — osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — tend to cause painful joints. No wonder your grandmother … Continue reading
INSATIABLE APPETITES, Stuart Woods
INSATIABLE APPETITES by Stuart Woods Synopsis It’s a time of unexpected change for Stone Barrington. A recent venture has achieved a great victory, but is immediately faced with a new challenge: an underhanded foe who’s determined to wreak havoc at … Continue reading
More than 2 dozen Flash Fiction Markets that pay
28 Flash Fiction Markets That Pay By Theresa van Baalen Are you dreaming of writing, but battling to find the time to write? Why not try your hand at something really short? Flash fiction is a genre of fiction that … Continue reading
We celebrate: Canada Award Winners
____Click to learn more about these great Canadian writers: Kathleen GAUER Dennis GAZAREK Peta-Gaye NASH
CANADA DAY commentary by Canadian writers
A number of writers are associated with our website have written their comments about CANADA DAY: Bristow writes a romance story in Roman times, quite unexpected, but very engaging and plausible. An amazingly researched story. Click on an image … Continue reading
FILE EXPLORER: the Win 10 tool you should use
File ExplorerFile Explorer is a Windows 10 application used for File-Folder management. It is available automatically on computers using WIN 10. Why bother to learn or to use File Explorer Name files with meaningful names Rename files that are poorly … Continue reading
WAG author, Peta-Gaye Nash, receives Canada Book Award
Congratulations to childrens’ books author PETA-GAYE NASH for receiving the Canada Book Award for her children’s book, ‘Bushyhead.’ Publisher: Peta-Gaye NashDesigner: Cheryl Antao-XavierIllustrator: Alyah Holmes Bushyhead is the story of a young girl, Miranda May, who is teased at school … Continue reading
Writers promo tip: BOOKMARKERS
Hey writer….here’s a nice little book promotion idea for you… Print a set of bookmarkers for distribution whenever and wherever you are doing book promotions. Consider both sidesRemember you have a FRONT and a BACK to the bookmarker. Take advantage … Continue reading
Councillor’s anti-racism motion passed by Pickering Council
Systemic racism exists in Canada and each of us is responsible for its obliteration. There is no room for racism in Canada in any form, religious, cultural, gender or appearance. Councillor Shaheen Butt is a Muslim who has lived in … Continue reading
Ode to a line
An ode to the line A clothesline was a news forecast, to neighbours passing by,There were no secrets you could keep when clothes were hung to dry.It also was a friendly link, for neighbours always knewIf company had stopped on … Continue reading
JUNETEENTH: What is it? We all need to celebrate it.
Rosie DiManno, Toronto Star columnist, wrote an excellent piece about the celebration. On June 19, 1866, one year after the announcement, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of “Jubilee Day”. Early celebrations were used … Continue reading
Senior’s letter to God
There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses. One day, a letter came addressed in shaky handwriting to God with no actual address. He thought he … Continue reading
More about self-publishing
WAG has our own resident “Self-publishing” guru who did a presentation on the topic. Here is a link to some more information regarding self-publishing: SELF PUBLISHING GUIDE
Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Night
Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Night Wednesday, June 16, 20217:00 – 8:00 pmOnline Event Join the City of Pickering, the Pickering Public Library and the Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation staff to learn about turtles in the Pickering area, how … Continue reading
WE’LL MEET AGAIN
During times of great trouble and crisis, people need to find hope and comfort wherever they can, however they can. Dame Vera Lynn sang a message of hope and perseverence with her renowned song. The times were a major crisis … Continue reading
The JUDGE’S LIST, John Grisham
One can never go wrong reading any John Grisham book. This applies here, no less, and its damned by faint praise. This is an entertaining and engaging read: FULL STOP. Synopsis In The Whistler, Lacy Stoltz investigated a corrupt judge … Continue reading
Your Best Shot
Confused and baffled by the news reports that constantly change the COVID story. Me too, the more I hear, the more hesitant and reluctant I become. The COVID vaccines were not developed overnight. So they aren’t just some ‘stab in … Continue reading
MARKUP SENDING INSTRUCTIONS
Send your MARKUPS all together in one email Send the to ALL CRTQ recipients in the same email. Summary ALL your MARKUPS ALL CRTQ GRP members emailed ALL in one email
June 7 – COVID, CARP and Indian Residential Schools
Getting tired of COVID news? Rotzy’s beginning to suffer COVID fatigue too but stick around . The news will bring you even more morbid or horrendous stuff. Read on… Zoomer Radio 740 AM…. ….features Libby Znaimer, the station owner’s … Continue reading
Five Little Indians, Michelle Good
Five Little Indians,Michelle Good SynopsisWinner of the 2018 HarperCollins/UBC Prize for Best New Fiction Michelle Good’s FIVE LITTLE INDIANS, told from the alternating points of view of five former residential school students as they struggle to survive in 1960s Vancouver—one … Continue reading
National Health and Fitness Day, June 1/21
June 1st was National Health and Fitness Day. The other 364 days of the year should be dedicated to the same topic. Every day should be Health and Fitness Day. Exercise and being active are very important during these pandemic … Continue reading
How to Make Pizzeria-Quality Pizza at Home (Hacks and Easy Recipes!)
Skip the delivery and grab some store-bought dough. Then get rolling with our 10 helpful hacks for creating crispy crusts, fresh flavors, and more Article and featured recipe and photos by Jamie Vespa MS, RD Pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and … Continue reading
Healthy Breakfasts Help You Lose Weight
When you’re trying to lose weight, breakfast can set the tone for the rest of your day. Consuming the wrong foods can amplify your cravings and set you up for failure before the day even begins. On the other hand, … Continue reading
FOLDER/FILES organization for CRTQING
This template may help you with your CRITIQUING submissions: DATE / TITLE / WHO / IN/OUT6/?/21 “title of submission” RICHARD OUT.docx Furthermore, computer records can be organized as depicted below: FOLDERS Folder “CRTQ IN” contains nothing at this time Folder “CRTQ … Continue reading
3 COLOUR CODING MARKUP SAMPLE – 5 pages
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2 ABBREVIATED – BULLETED GUIDELINES
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1 FULL GUIDELINES – 2 pages of text
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May 31 – Rotzy took a Victoria break!
Rotzy needed a break Victoria Day weekend but he’s back with a blast and a whiz this week. Read all about ‘famous Amos’ of the Cdn House of Commons. Anyone remember Anthony Weiner of American politics…well, Canada’s got its own … Continue reading
SLEEP WELL: 20 tips to help you sleep better
Are you having problems with your sleep? Good sleep is incredibly important. If you are having sleep problems, consider and try a few of the tips offered below and see if they help you sleep better. You may have to … Continue reading
LIFESPAN CALCULATOR: how long will you live?
How long will you live? Barring unforeseen incidents such as accidents, natural disasters and such, there is no way to guarantee a long life. Common sense adherence to good diet practices, regular moderate exercise and sensible precautions, one will live … Continue reading
Skin Cancer Awareness: 4 safety tips
Summer is here and many of us are spending more time outdoors enjoying the nicer weather. While basking in the sun’s golden rays can feel great, it is important to be diligent about sun safety. Most skin cancers are a … Continue reading
The KEEPSAKE, Tess Gerritsen
The Keepsake By Tess Gerritsen If you like page-turning thrillers that hold your attention page after page, you can’t go with any Tess Gerritsen book that has a “New York Bestseller” attached to it. Synopsis New York Times bestselling author … Continue reading
Hard of hearing….
At the beginning of my shift as a general practitioner, I placed a stethoscope on an elderly and slightly deaf female patient’s anterior chest wall. ‘Big breaths,’ I instructed. ‘Yes, they used to be,’ she replied.
Leaving a big tip
I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
GOOGLE EXTENSIONS: little apps/tools to help you browse
Google extensions are little applications that enrich the digital work you can do. Visit the Google web store and explore the various apps offered there. You will be surprised at what you discover of value and benefit to your work. … Continue reading
Where I am in my life
I’m at a place in my life where errands are starting to count as going out
The SZPINNER JUNE 2021 NEWSLETTER
The Sad, Bad, and the Good We are very saddened and grieve the loss of a wonderful man, Randy Filinksi. Randy was a loving husband, caring father, a dedicated community activist and an outstanding part of the Durham Region … Continue reading
EDITORIAL: SENIORS month or PRIDE month: it’s a matter of universal respect
June is Seniors Month or Pride Month depending on your source of information. We’ll recognize both labels and summarize with …”just care for your fellow human.” No matter if old, young, female, male, queer, straight, or transforming, as long as … Continue reading
Poetry publications on Medium.com
This article contains a list of publications that include poetry, are currently active, and are accepting new writers.
Bookmarks: better than business cards?
Rick Pyves, a writer who always seems to be a bit ahead of many others, has an interesting twist on old-fashioned business cards. Rick has bookmarks printed based on the covers of the books he has written and uses these … Continue reading
May 27 – Minutes
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The story behind “Towards the Light”
The history of our charity work in Punta Cana, DR In November of 2012, as new retirees, my husband and I flew to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for a ten-day vacation. During that time, one of our outings … Continue reading
May 27 – PRESENTATION: Ginger Kuenzel on publishing in “Medium”
Guest Speaker: Ginger Kuenzel – Medium.com – A Free Platform for Publishing Your Pieces Learn about Medium.com, an online platform where you can upload pieces you’ve written, then share the link with friends and easily post it on social media. By following the … Continue reading
Are you always feeling hungry? Your body may be trying to tell you something.
Hunger is your body’s natural cue that it needs more food. When you’re hungry, your stomach may “growl” and feel empty, or you may get a headache, feel irritable, or be unable to concentrate. Most people can go several hours … Continue reading
Arthritis pain: Do’s and don’t’s
Will physical activity reduce or increase your arthritis pain? Get tips on exercise and other common concerns when coping with arthritis symptoms and arthritis pain.By Mayo Clinic Staff Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. You … Continue reading
Kathleen Gauer: Another childrens’ book author awarded
Canadian authors have the touch when it comes to writing books for kids. Kathleen Gauer has received a Canada Books Award for her book, The Wish Carvers. It is positively gratifying to see writers being recognized for their creativity, energy … Continue reading
Special invitation to WAG members
Hello WAG member, At the risk of sounding like an old nag, I again invite you to try NOTEZILLA digital sticky notes for your computer work. [Disclaimer: I have no financial links with the program’s developer, receive no remuneration.] I … Continue reading
4 creative writing exercises to improve your writing
Here are 4 creative writing ideas to improve your writing. Read through this piece and take away whatever seems of value to you and your work. All the best in your endeavours. Writing exercises to spark creativity Freewriting Freewriting is … Continue reading
Use character voice when writing critical or delicate information which could offend
The omniscient voice is the writer speaking. It can lead to problems as readers see the written word as fact and sometimes it contravenes the philosophy of the reader. Alienate the reader and you lose support. Instead, assign opinions and … Continue reading
A walk after eating is healthy for you
Maybe you don’t have a dog to walk after dinner. Pretend. We’re lucky. We’ve got Fermo and he’ll go for a walk anytime, with a lot of enthusiasm. Walking after a meal has many benefits but wait about 15 minutes … Continue reading
Six excellent foods to give your eyes a nutritional boost.
Particular foods will benefit your eye health. Here are six good foods to eat to help maintain your eye health. SALMONWild salmon contains a high amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are super nutrients for your eyes. Eating salmon or … Continue reading
POLITICIANS to remember next election
Politics seems to change principled people into unethical, unprincipled politicians of questionable integrity. Here’s a list of these kind of politicians [ Site under construction – Click on the name to read the story behind the politician ]: MUNICIPALKevin ASHE, … Continue reading
GRAMMARLY: the right-hand assistant for writers
“If you’re a writer, you should use this tool.” It would highlight all the errors in the previous sentence allowing you to change what you wish. Grammarly has a free version that will serve a writer very well. The corrections … Continue reading
May 10 – medical examinations demand deeper considerations
Seems like Rotzy’s philosophy is becoming, “The older we get, the more concerned we become with medical examinations.” As The Days Go….….last Tuesday was not one of the better ones for Rotzy. I got ‘cut’…….’chopped’. No, not as in … Continue reading
KILL YOURS, KILL MINE, Katherine Kovacic
KiLL YOURS, KILL MINE Katherine Kovacic Synopsis Mia’s grief counselling practice, The Pleiades, is named for the seven sisters from Greek mythology who were the companions of the Goddess of the Hunt—and who, in some stories, die of grief or … Continue reading
Coping with arthritis
Arthritis: it may be in the genes; it may be a factor of old age. No matter the source of the malady can have varying degrees of debilitation for the person suffering the affliction. I began experiencing problems with my … Continue reading
Made it. Ate it. ‘Weighed’ it.
No knead crusty bread….easy to make, needs 12-18 hrs of yeast development time….just sits quietly in your dining room, over night. Next day, into the oven and within an hour delicious, crusty bread…really crusty, really delicious. Recipe available on request. … Continue reading
The USA: land of bullies
NOMADLAND, by Jessica Bruder The book, ‘Nomadland‘ fits this BULLY section for many reasons. The book is a sad commentary on life in the United States. Americans pride themselves on being the richest country on earth. Do not believe it. … Continue reading
Press release from the Pickering ISLAMIC Centre
Tony Burman…bon voyage sir !
He’s gone: Tony Burman, journalist, reporter, editor, commentator…one of the very best in today’s media world. Burman arguably was the best media commentator in the world of English-written news. Incisive, concise, precise, logical, analytical, intelligent…the adjectives do no do the … Continue reading
May 3 – the cremation of Rotzy McGee
Fun stuff Nakina…ya gotta read about the cremation of Rotzy McGee at the end… from Readers WriteIt seems to me these days that there is a lot of emphasis on fitness, and encouragement of people to get into some sort … Continue reading
Jeff BEZOS won’t be meeting Eva HENN sometime soon
Senior woman author, Eva Henn, published her memoir independently rather than using the publishing services of giant AMAZON. Jeff Bezos won’t be meeting Eva Henn. Eva Henn, a senior woman writer, has published a heart-touching memoir about her family’s escape … Continue reading
Signs on the sides of delivery vans
Real signs taken from the side of actual service vans on the road…took me a long time to find them all. A Sign in a Shoe Repair Shop reads:“We will heel you. We will save your sole. We … Continue reading
Benefits of coffee drinking
Do you drink coffee and worry about its health effects? Watch this video by a doctor who confirms some very interesting benefits to drinking coffee, black coffee though.
AWARDS: Husbands of the year
United Kingdom United States of America Poland Greece Serbia The winner…Ireland
Six ways to improve your brain resilience
Brain maintenance ain’t rocket science As we age, our brains deteriorate but the cellular decimation of cerebral cells can be slowed by giving some attention to how one lives. Brain ResilienceKeeping the brain resilient is the aim if one wishes … Continue reading
Indie press prizes shine light on new writers
An announcement that will cause some excitement among readers dropped into my inbox this morning: The winners of the ReLit award for 2020 — the final part of a month-long “celebration” of the prize, which is catching up on announcing … Continue reading
Apr 29 – minutes
Vol. I Issue 4 Apr 29, 2021 Attendees: Frank B., Eva H., Ginger K., Sajeda M., Howard P., Rick P., Ian, R., Richard S., Sheila T. Happy Time:The participants were asked to share their recent ‘Balloon lofting’ moments. Eva just … Continue reading
The SZPINNER MAY 2021 NEWSLETTER
Fermo, an Italian Scottie Dennis Gazarek, Canadian author wins award Peta-Gaye Nash, award-winning children’s books author La Galleria: showcasing local artists Kingston Penitentiary or Home, sweet home? Movies and TV Books Councillor Dave Pickles: pandemic perseverance A commercial break Trump, … Continue reading
Boundaries every dog-owner should teach
Fermo says there are some things every dog owner should teach their dog. In his case, he has learned many of these but struggles with anxieties when he meets dogs larger than he is. Boundaries every dog-owner should teachAs the … Continue reading