Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662) said there is no idea so bizarre that a philosopher has not advanced it. These days, the philosophers in question are psychologists and the bizarre ideas are their explanations of human behavior. Said explanations are bizarre because (trust me on this, I am one) psychologists wear, as a rule, ideological blinders that prevent them from accurately understanding what makes humans tick. Unable to see human behavior for what it truly represents, they justify their existence by inventing and marketing diagnoses as if giving something a name is equivalent to understanding and knowing what to do about it.

The latest manifestation of this fraud is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID, formerly known as picky eating. Lots of university health centers and independent practitioners offer therapy for people of all ages whose parents never taught them that not eating what someone else, including one’s mother, has taken the time to prepare and serve is rude.

Even though no one wants a urinary tract infection (UTI), it seems we all get them from time to time. Some more frequently or severe than others. In addition to making you feel as though you have to go, in spite of the fact that you just went, UTIs are painful and require a trip to the doctor’s office. As often as women have to deal with UTIs, one would think we know everything about this common occurrence.
However, when we asked women what they wanted to know about UTIs, we learned there’s still a lot of questions surrounding this sensitive subject. So, we reached out to two local experts to get some answers to help minimize the risk of getting a UTI.

This month brings us a rich array of biopics that delve into the lives of some of the most intriguing figures in music, sports, and the arts. They showcase a blend of well-known personalities and hidden gems, each with a unique story to tell.

A Complete Unknown - Bob Dylan
Timothée Chalamet steps into the shoes of the enigmatic Bob Dylan in
A Complete Unknown, a film that promises to explore the complexities of the legendary musician’s life and career. This film is generating considerable buzz for Chalamet’s performance. Expect a blend of music, introspection, and a deep dive into the artistic process that shaped one of the most influential figures in modern music. A Complete Unknown recently received a Golden Globe nomination for best film.

It’s all over the web, that “grit” thing. Seems like every day, I get some promo for a webinar on how to get more grit, project more grit, or get in touch with your inner grit. So, allow me to enlighten the reader on how to help your child acquire grit.

First, what is grit? Grit is equal parts determination, tenacity, and emotional resilience, which is the ability to withstand setback and even failure. Grit is nothing new. Marco Polo had it. Edmund Hillary had it. Navy Seals have it. I know that leaves lots of people out, but this is a magazine column, not a history book. You get the picture. Grit is hanging in there and getting the job done when failure is a looming possibility. Grit is in short supply today, as I and many folks of my generation fear.

Is a new knee or hip on your Christmas list this year? Knowing the pain a worn-out joint can cause, it’s easy to put replacement surgery at the top of your list. Not only does joint replacement surgery give the gift of a new joint, it also gives hope for a pain-free life and freedom of moving with ease. These joint surgeries are giving millions of people a new lease on life. Those who could no longer play golf or tennis, and those who had become so debilitated they could hardly walk without experiencing excruciating pain are enjoying the benefits of joint replacement.

However, surgery is not the answer for everyone. Joint health relief helps thousands of patients to feel better and stronger for their day-to-day routines. And it’s well worth the effort, as regaining physical function and well-being is one of the biggest driving factors in overall wellness and quality of life.

Here’s to all the movie mavens out there who make Pink Magazine’s Reel Corner community so special. Whether you are a passionate film enthusiast, or a casual viewer, we appreciate your support and engagement throughout the year. May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, laughter, and a few feel-good flicks. We hope you find time to relax and indulge in your favorite films with a bucket full of warm, buttery popcorn.

Here’s to a new year filled with exciting film releases, memorable moments, and continued adventures in the world of cinema. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing more cinematic experiences with you in the coming year! Until then, do not miss Conclave; it’s riveting, compelling, and ends with a shocker.

“Is there anything more special
than true connection?”
— The Uphill Skater —

Everyone loves a big holiday hug, especially from friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. Hugs are extra special, and the surge of energy felt through this exchange is a powerful non-verbal way to connect. I love the sincerity of a tight, warm hug.

If you want to live your healthiest life for years to come, know that diabetes is your archenemy. Basically, it is the beginning of the demise of major organs and imperative systems that keep your body functioning properly. If the threat of diabetes pays you a call, you need to take it seriously. Unfortunately, diabetes is on the rise in America and showing up in households in record numbers. Less active lifestyles, combined with fast, processed, and excessive diets, are taking a toll on men and women, alike, as well as creeping into the younger population like never before. However, there is hope, but it starts with you. When you educate yourself on the risks of this disease and actively partner with your healthcare provider, you can live a sweet life without the perils of this dreaded disease, or at least have them under control.

We want to help! So, to start you on your educational trek, read on to see what our local healthcare experts have to say about this serious health topic.

This year marks a monumental milestone in television history: the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL). For many, including The Reel Corner, the show has been a cherished staple of Saturday nights, a window into the world of live sketch comedy that has introduced us to unforgettable characters, iconic catchphrases, and a diverse array of musical talent.

I still vividly remember the first episode of SNL I watched. The thrill of seeing live sketch comedy unfold right before my eyes was the comic relief needed after a full week of life and work. It was a unique experience that kept me coming back week after week, and year after year. Creator Lorne Michaels has an extraordinary talent for spotting young comedians, many of whom have gone on to become mega stars and household names. In addition, there have been 12 movies based on original SNL sketches.

“I love to party and put it all out there.
All, that is, except impropriety, calories, drinking and
….oh dear, I think I’ve lost my party vibe!”
— The Uphill Skater —

From my 20s to now, I have gone from being the life of the party to not so much. I used to be a good dancer, a big drinker, and a regular bystander at any hors d’oeuvre table. No one loved a party more than me. Of course, at that time, I was also overweight, unhealthy, and once in a while, had to have someone drive me home. I was a real good time girl, who pretty much regretted my over-indulgences the next morning. 

As a woman, can you ever know enough about breast cancer? We think not, which is why we asked local experts to tell us more. It is of utmost importance to educate yourself all you can. After all, knowing your risks and early detection can saves lives—maybe yours!

The biggest problem in the life of today’s all-too typical mother is herself. She is her own worst enemy. Them’s fightin’ words, I know, but please, hold the tomatoes and other vegetables and bear with me.

One of the doctrines of the Good Mommy Club, the evil sisterhood to which many, if not most, of today’s mommies belong, albeit unwittingly, has it that the Good Mommy does as much for her child as she possibly can, and then some. A guarantee of frustration, anxiety, stress, resentment, and guilt.

There are some great movies playing at your favorite cinema right now. If you haven’t caught It Ends with Us yet, please don’t miss it on the big screen. And, as we move into fall, you can expect some great releases that will make you want to cozy up in those comfy movie theater seats with a tub of warm, buttered popcorn.

This month, I’m sharing some of the noteworthy films you may have missed or haven’t seen now being offered on streaming services. Let’s take a look at some light comedies, biopics, and true stories you should watch. These different genre films offer a mix of humor, inspiration, and compelling storytelling that could be perfect and entertaining for your streaming lineup.


“An adventure doesn’t have
to involve fear, but mine sure did!”
— The Uphill Skater —

My husband, Bill, and I have sailed thousands of miles including all around Hilton Head, down the coast as far as Key West, up as far as Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay, and all around the Bahamas and Exuma Cays. We have sailed across the Mediterranean, and Bill has done the Atlantic crossing. We have sailed around Tahiti, Morea, and Bora Bora. We have even sailed up the coast of Australia.

Dear Susan:
I just re-read your column about “apartners,” and I’m sending along my two cents. Since my marriage ended two years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to share some personally productive relationships. Currently, I’m dating someone with the strength of character to be himself with me, and we’re having a wonderful time. But as much as I like him, I still cannot imagine any other person, however beloved, in my space.

It’s back-to-school time, which means the chance of getting sick is on the rise. No one ever escaped childhood without experiencing the typical illnesses that seem to swarm through schools every year. Illnesses that get everyone’s noses running and a day or two off from school. Of course, lying in bed with fever and chills is not nearly as fun as gym class, but then again, if it means a few more days to study for a chemistry test, it may not seem so bad.

The six most-prevalent illnesses in schools are: Influenza; COVID; Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease; Stomach Flu; Strep Throat; and Pink Eye. And as we all know, these illnesses can easily pass from child to child, child to teacher, and child to parent in the wheeze of a sneeze or one little night, night kiss. No one likes feeling bad or being sick, and that’s why we went to the professionals to learn more about avoiding illness and what to look for now that the children are back in school:

Meet Thelma in this sensational summer surprise that takes on a scam artist with the most unsuspecting of all leading ladies. You will enjoy this fun foray into taking down a villain everyone hates.

Thelma
June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Parker Posey
Written and Directed Josh Margolin

Thelma, writer/director Josh Margolin’s debut feature, is an unlikely mix of genres and styles. It is a touching comedy-drama about family issues and the challenges of old age—a tribute to Josh’s grandmother loosely based on actual events in her life. 

“I love the power of women working in common.
Girl groups have so much strength to share among
themselves and with others, as well!”
— The Uphill Skater —

I usually write about lifestyle and/or good health, and this month I get to combine both! As we look at our theme this month, Join the Club, I am going to use the term "club" very casually.

All of us girls have at some time been part of a club, small group or clique. Some have been for better, while others for worse, and many of these groups that started out informally have lasted for years. In fact, I know of several friend groups who have been together since grade school. My family moved a lot when I was young, so I do not have old friends, nor do I have a big family. But allow me to share what I do have right now, which works wonders for me.  

DEAR SUSAN: I have a dilemma. My wife died a little over two years ago, ending our wonderful marriage of 26 years and making me a widower at 49. My wife was popular and well-liked by many in our area. Now I feel ready to explore the possibility of dating again by using online dating apps. The problem, though, is that some of my wife's single friends use those apps, too, and I'm afraid of being judged for not mourning long enough. What's a typical time frame for mourning, and is this a legitimate concern? —Worried Widower

Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and pain are expected when an injury occurs. If you fall and hurt your knee, chances are you will experience all four of these symptoms, as well as some bruising. However, most of us experience some of these symptoms even when we haven’t injured ourselves. We just wake up feeling like we’ve been hit by a Mack truck and literally hobble to the kitchen to inject coffee.

Is this arthritis? Not necessarily! But there’s both good and bad news. If symptoms are fleeting, arthritis is probably not the culprit. You may simply need to stretch, exercise, reduce inflammatory food and beverage intake, or drink more water. However, if the symptoms persist throughout the day, you may have arthritis and need to check in with your physician. We wanted to learn more about arthritis because it’s a disease many people have but very few talk about. It also seems to be an inevitable condition that naturally comes along with aging. Tell us this isn’t so! We had to be sure, so we asked the experts to tell us more.

Summertime at the Movies
Get ready for a whole lot of
action, twists and fun!

The beach, pools, tennis/pickleball courts, and bike paths are bustling with busyness and baking in the summer heat. Meanwhile, the Reel Corner encourages you to look for a cool dark theater, wafting with the smell of popcorn, to escape these hot afternoons.

“The women of this country these days need some icons, and
if they think I am one, then I am very happy about that!”
— Naomi Parker Farley, a.k.a. Rosie the Riveter

“We needed women to look up to then, and we need them now!”
— The Uphill Skater, a.k.a. Judith Lawrenson

There’s barely a more iconic American female than Rosie the Riveter. For more than 80 years, her strong, clenched fist image has appeared literally everywhere from 1940s posters, which peppered government offices and factory break rooms, to modern day T-shirts, mouse pads, coffee mugs, baseball caps, purses and every other imaginable retail item. Rosie the Riveter stood for something then—“We Can Do It”—bolstering the women left behind to takeover many male-dominated jobs while the men were at war.

Yes, I realize there are plenty of ways to judge your lover—the amount of hair on his head, the sexy pout of her lips, the way just being with the person puts you on top of the world. But right here, I'm suggesting a different criterion. It's one that may not be as thrilling, but it comes with a lifetime of durable joy. For a moment, then, consider with me a standard based on self-esteem. Not vanity or puffed ego but a basic friendship with oneself.