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Dayton area PR firm named agency of record for controversial biotech author

In Books, Dayton Ohio News, Education, Health, Literature, National News, Print Media, Technology, Uncategorized on October 30, 2025 at 1:45 pm

GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. Named Agency of Record for Biotech Whistleblower Becky McClain’s New Memoir, “Exposed”

Jamestown, OH — October 30, 2025 — GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. (GLD Communications), a strategic media marketing and public relations firm based in Jamestown, Ohio, has been named the agency of record for biotech whistleblower Becky McClain, author of the explosive new book, “Exposed,” which hits shelves October 28 from Skyhorse Publishing.

Led by founder and creative director Gery L. Deer, GLD Communications will oversee all media access management for McClain, whose story has already sparked widespread interest. The agency will also manage social media engagement and coordinate interviews and appearances related to the book’s release.

“This is a story that demands attention,” said Gery L. Deer. “Becky McClain’s courage in speaking out—despite enormous personal and professional risk—embodies the kind of integrity we strive to amplify. GLD Communications is honored to support her mission and ensure her voice reaches the audiences who need to hear it.”

“Exposed” chronicles McClain’s harrowing journey from molecular biologist to whistleblower, detailing her legal battle against a major biotech corporation over alleged safety violations and retaliation. The book dives deep into the ethical and regulatory failures she witnessed, offering a sobering look at the intersection of science, corporate power, and public health. The topic has proven highly controversial, drawing attention from journalists, activists, and policymakers alike.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who was involved in the original case, penned the book’s powerful foreword, lending further weight to McClain’s revelations. Early media coverage has included interviews with national outlets and investigative podcasts, with more expected following the book’s release.

McClain’s voice resonates throughout the pages of her book. “I’ve written this book as a witness to a system gone bad — a system that breaks people bad — a system that threatens the public’s health, workers’ rights, and America’s right to freedom of speech,” she states, underscoring the urgency and personal cost of her journey.

“Exposed” is more than a memoir—it’s a call to action. Through meticulous documentation and emotional candor, McClain invites readers to examine the intersection of science, ethics, and power. The book also explores the broader implications for workers in high-risk industries and the mechanisms that protect—or fail to protect—them.

The book is poised to become a touchstone in discussions about whistleblower protections and corporate transparency. As the biotech industry continues to evolve, McClain’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of scientific advancement––and the ongoing risks to worker safety as well as public health in a world still marked by the pain and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective immediately, all media inquiries, interview requests, and public engagement related to “Exposed” will be handled through GLD Communications. For more information or to request media access, contact the agency directly via email gdeer@gldenterprises.net. “Exposed” is available now on Amazon.com and in bookstores. Questions about the publisher or distribution should be directed to the offices of Skyhorse Publishing, New York, New York.

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Greene County FISH Pantry Announces Change to Thanksgiving Meal Distribution

In Food, Health, Holiday, Local News, Uncategorized on September 25, 2025 at 12:53 pm

By Gery Deer

XENIA, OH — For many Greene County families, the annual Thanksgiving meal distribution hosted by the FISH Pantry has become a cherished tradition. However, this year, due to federal and state budget cuts, the Pantry is shifting its focus.

Instead of the large-scale Saturday giveaway that typically draws hundreds of families and requires a massive volunteer effort, the Greene County FISH Pantry will offer a more flexible alternative: a “Thanksgiving Corner” available during regular shopping hours for the four weeks leading up to the holiday.

“While it is only September, we at the Greene County FISH Pantry are already looking forward to helping you serve a great Thanksgiving Day meal in your home to celebrate with family,” said Mike Reeves, Executive Director. “With Federal and State budget cuts, we have made the decision to do something a little different this year.”

The Thanksgiving Corner will allow eligible shoppers—those who have visited the Pantry at least four times in the past twelve months—to receive traditional holiday meal items during their regular visits. This change aims to reduce logistical strain while still providing meaningful support.

Thanks to donors and sponsors, the Pantry plans to offer mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, biscuit mix, and a choice of small turkey, turkey breast, roasting chicken, or small ham.

Reeves emphasized the importance of community support: “Any donations of these items would be greatly appreciated.” Contributions can be dropped off at 774 Cincinnati Ave., Xenia, OH 45385, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For drop-offs outside those hours, donors are encouraged to call Reeves directly at 937-372-8441.

Financial donations from private and corporate sources are always welcome. Contact Reeves or visit www.gcfp.org/donate for more information. Though the format has changed, the mission remains the same: ensuring Greene County families can gather around a warm, festive meal this Thanksgiving.

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Operation Crowdfunded

In Health, Opinion, Politics, Uncategorized on September 23, 2025 at 2:58 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

The United States of America: the land of innovation and opportunity, where billionaires launch rockets for sport and algorithms decide your mortgage rate. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Americans now turn to crowdfunding to pay for basic healthcare. Not as a quirky side hustle, mind you, but as a legitimate strategy for survival.

This year, roughly 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. The average cost of treatment? A cool $183 billion. That’s not per person, of course—just the collective tab. But when you break it down, individual patients often face six-figure bills, even with insurance. Meanwhile, nearly 70% of seniors will require long-term care, either at home or in a facility. And with government assistance programs shrinking faster than a hospital gown in the dryer, many are left to fend for themselves. Each year, more and more are turning to crowdfunding.

According to statistics published by Astute Analytica, Americans raise more than $3 billion annually through platforms like GoFundMe, GiveSendGo, and others—most of it for medical expenses. While that might seem a heartwarming testament to community spirit, it’s simultaneously a tragic commentary on our national priorities.

When you live in the “richest” country on Earth and someone in a white coat says the words, “You have cancer,” but your best hope for affording chemotherapy is a well-written plea and a viral social media post, something’s gone horribly awry.

Let’s compare this to the more “official” solution: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), tax-advantaged accounts tied to high-deductible insurance plans. In theory, they help you save for medical expenses. But their nature pretty much excludes the people who actually need the money.

HSAs require disposable income to fund. Plus, they’re capped at a few thousand dollars per year. That’s great if you’re buying allergy meds or paying for a routine checkup. But without some serious money tucked away, you could still be in trouble if you need something like an appendectomy, for example, which averages around $13,000.

Crowdfunding, on the other hand, offers flexibility. You don’t need to qualify for a high-deductible plan. You don’t need to navigate IRS rules. You just need a compelling story, a few sympathetic friends, and the ability to market your misfortune.

Imagine a future where every citizen maintains a personal healthcare fund online. You could even petition the IRS to classify seniors and disabled individuals as not-for-profit entities. That way, when a billionaire donates to your cancer treatment, they get a tax write-off. It’s a win-win. You get a shot at survival, and they get to feel philanthropic without disrupting their yacht schedule.

Of course, this would also stimulate the tech economy. Crowdfunding platforms would flourish, transaction fees would soar, and a new generation of entrepreneurs would emerge to optimize the monetization of the already bloated medical crises. But there are challenges – big ones.

If everyone’s running a campaign, how do you stand out? Do you offer donor perks? “Contribute $100 and receive a personalized thank-you video from my hospital bed.” Do you hire a public relations firm to promote your gallbladder surgery? “Compassion competition” can become fierce. Those without strong social networks or digital savvy would likely struggle to raise anything at all.

With so many medical coverage decisions being made in the board room rather than at the bedside, this model has its appeal. It’s more transparent than insurance billing, more immediate than government aid, and more democratic than corporate healthcare.

Some say healthcare should be a right, not a raffle – I tend to agree. It’s absurd that anyone should have to beg for insulin or auction off their belongings to afford a colonoscopy. But in a country where tax breaks for billionaires are considered sacred and universal healthcare is viewed as some kind of socialist takeover, absurdity might just be the most realistic and successful option.

So sure, let’s embrace the irony of a system where survival depends on storytelling and digital advertising prowess and crowdfund our medical care. We will just have to hope that, someday, we’ll look back on this era not as a failure of policy, but as a resourceful bureaucratic bypass—when Americans took their health into their own hands, one donation at a time.

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Another New Hampshire man gets a pig kidney as transplant trials are poised to start

In Health, National News, Uncategorized on September 8, 2025 at 9:16 am

Courtesy the Associated Press

By  LAURAN NEERGAARD

Updated 8:09 AM EDT, September 8, 2025

View the entire story with video here.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A self-described science nerd is the latest American to get an experimental pig kidney transplant, at a crucial point in the quest to prove if animals organs really might save human lives.

The 54-year-old New Hampshire man is faring well after his June 14 operation, doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital announced Monday.

“I really wanted to contribute to the science of it,” Bill Stewart, an athletic trainer from Dover, New Hampshire, told The Associated Press.

That’s not the only milestone the Mass General team is marking: A pig kidney has kept another New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews, off dialysis for a record seven months and counting. Until now, the longest that a gene-edited pig organ transplant was known to last was 130 days.

Based on lessons from the New Hampshire men and a handful of other one-off attempts, the Food and Drug Administration approved pig producer eGenesis to begin a rigorous study of kidney xenotransplants.

“Right now we have a bottleneck” in finding enough human organs, said Mass General kidney specialist Dr. Leonardo Riella, who will help lead the new clinical trial.

More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting. As an alternative, scientists are genetically altering pigs so their organs are more humanlike, less likely to be immediately attacked and destroyed by people’s immune system.

Initial experiments, two hearts and two kidneys, were short-lived and included very ill patients. Chinese researchers also recently announced a kidney xenotransplant but released little information. Then an Alabama woman whose pig kidney lasted 130 days before rejection prompted its removal, sending her back to dialysis, helped researchers shift to not-as-sick patients.

In New Hampshire, high blood pressure caused Stewart’s kidneys to fail but he had no other health problems. It can take up to seven years for people with his blood type to find a matching kidney from a deceased donor, and some would-be living donors didn’t qualify. After two years in dialysis, he heard about Mass General’s most recent xenotransplant recipient – Andrews – and applied to be the next candidate.

“I’ve always been a little bit of a science nerd,” Stewart said. Conscious of how new these experiments are, he sought out Andrews for advice and ultimately decided, “worst case scenario, they can always take it out.”

Thrilled to no longer have his time and energy sapped by dialysis, Stewart said he’s easing back into desk duties at work and visited his old dialysis clinic to “let everyone know I’m doing all right and maybe kind of give some people some hope.”

Riella, the kidney specialist, said Stewart had his anti-rejection drugs adjusted to counter an early concern and that Andrews has needed similar adjustments. He said it’s far too early to predict how long pig kidneys might be able to last — but it would be useful even if initially they can buy people time off dialysis until they get a matching human organ.

“A year, hopefully longer than that – that’s already a huge advantage,” he said.

The new eGenesis trial will provide gene-edited pig kidney transplants to 30 people age 50 or older who are on dialysis and the transplant list. Another developer of gene-edited pig organs, United Therapeutics, is about to start enrolling people in a similar FDA-approved study.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Vision Quest

In Health, Opinion, psychology, Religion, sociology, Technology, Uncategorized on August 22, 2025 at 1:32 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Somewhere between the motivational posters in your work break room and the TED Talk rabbit
hole you fell into online last Tuesday, someone probably told you that you need a “vision” for
your life. A grand, sweeping, cinematic plan that guides your every move like you’re the
protagonist in a Christopher Nolan film. Lights, camera, confusion.

Now, let’s be honest – most of us are just trying to remember where we left our coffee mug and
whether we fed the dog this morning. But a life vision? That sounds exhausting, and at least
partially unrealistic.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying you should wander aimlessly through life like a robot
vacuum cleaner with a dying battery, bumping your way from wall to wall, down this hallway and
that. Any purposeful achievement generally starts with a dream and some kind of plan, even an
informal one. To me, that’s just common sense.

But obsessing over the idea of a perfectly curated roadmap for your life might do more harm
than good. That’s especially true when we project the obsession onto others—our kids, our
coworkers, some unsuspecting barista. And you need to allow for some flexibility so you can
recognize opportunity when it comes and act in your best interest – that’s more how I work, I
would say.
When someone says you can’t make it without a vision board and a color-coded calendar that
looks like NASA designed it, they are probably trying to sell you something. In case you haven’t
figured this out on your own, life is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally throws a raccoon
through your metaphorical window.


Some of the most successful people I know didn’t start with a vision. They began with a
problem, a deep interest in something, or just plain boredom. They stumbled into opportunities,
made a few mistakes (okay, a lot of mistakes), and figured things out along the way. Their “vision” was more like a foggy windshield they wiped clean with the sleeve of their hoodie – and
that’s okay.

Here’s the thing: having a vision sounds noble, but it can also blind you. When you’re so
focused on the end goal, you miss the weird little detours that could lead to something better.
You ignore the people around you who might need help, or who might help you.

Instead of the kind of vision you read about in self-help books, maybe what we need is a clearer
view—the ability to see what’s happening right now. That way, we notice the opportunities, the
needs, the small wins, and then be present enough to pivot when life throws a curveball—or a
raccoon.

If you’re in a position to guide others—whether you’re a parent, a manager, or just the guy who
always gets asked for directions at the grocery—there’s a temptation to impose your vision on
them. You want them to succeed, so you hand them your blueprint. “Here’s how I did it. Follow
this, and you’ll be fine.”

Really? People don’t come with identical parts and a universal tool kit. What worked for you
might be a disaster for someone else. Your vision might be their nightmare.
Instead of handing out visions like party favors, let’s ask questions. What excites you? What
scares you? What do you want to try, even if you might fail? Influence isn’t about shaping
someone’s path—it’s about helping them find their own flashlight.

So here’s my alternative vision pitch: wander with purpose. Be curious. Be open. Set goals,
sure—but don’t carve them into stone. Scribble them on napkins and be willing to toss them
when life hands you a better idea.

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s a squiggly mess of trial and error, happy accidents, and moments of
clarity that usually arrive while you’re doing something mundane like folding laundry or eating
cold pizza in the middle of the night. So what to do? Ignore all the nonsense out there and do
what leads you to the life you want.

While a valuable foundation, vision isn’t an absolute. Flexibility, awareness, and a good sense
of humor are your best tools along life’s path. Now – what did I do with that coffee mug?

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Greene County cycling tour event proceeds presented to veterans’ suicide prevention subcommittee.

In Education, Health, Local News, psychology, Science, Senior Lifestyle, Uncategorized on August 15, 2025 at 9:08 am

XENIA, OHIO — Representatives of the Greene County Parks and Trails, Trail Sentinels volunteer group, visited the Greene County Veterans Services office on Tuesday, August 12th, to present a donation check to the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veterans Subcommittee. The donation is the result of funds raised from the first annual Greene County Cycling Tour for Veteran Suicide Prevention, held July 19th.

The event raised $1,800.00 for the coalition, and it was made possible thanks to the hard work of the Greene County Parks & Trails staff, the Trail Sentinels, and through generous sponsorships from the following: Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC, White Allen European Auto Group of Dayton, and GLD Communications of Jamestown. Their support helped cover logistics and ensured that every dollar raised could go directly to the Veterans Subcommittee’s efforts.

From the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veteran’s Subcommittee: Captain Dennis Eng, Scott Page, Andrew Ullom, Bill Hoying, Wanda Ortiz Thayne, Teresa Innocent, Desiree Rollyson, Tim Spradlin. From the Greene County Parks and Trails: Assistant Director Richard Kharman, Chief Ranger/Army Veteran Darrell Hannah, and Trail Sentinels Rick Sedlotshek and Gery Deer.

The Greene County Parks & Trails Trail Sentinels, a dedicated group of volunteer cyclists who patrol the trails and host seasonal workshops and group rides, played a pivotal role in the day’s success. They provided on-trail support and manned rest stops stocked with snacks and cold drinks, ensuring riders stayed hydrated and energized throughout their journey.

The event started early in the morning from the Fairground Recreation Center. The 38 registered riders had their choice of four scenic routes, each winding through the county’s lush trail system and quiet backroads.

“This ride was about more than miles—it was about mission,” said Gery Deer, a Trail Sentinel volunteer and event liaison to the veteran’s organization. “We’re proud to work on behalf of our veterans and help bring attention and financial support to the resources they need.”

Adding a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the event were members of the Central Ohio Ghostbusters club, a charity cosplay group known for their appearances at fundraisers, children’s events, and festivals. Dressed in full gear with their version of an “ectomobile” at Xenia Station, they brought smiles and photo ops to riders and spectators alike.

A large contingent of veterans participated in the ride as well. Retired Colonel Rafi Rodriguez, a 30-year Air Force veteran and a sponsor, took to the trails himself to support the cause. “The ride was a lot of fun,” he said. “It was great to learn more about what the coalition does to support veterans on Greene County.”

The donation check was formally presented this week to the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veterans Subcommittee, marking the culmination of a community-driven initiative that blended recreation, advocacy, and heartfelt generosity.

“This contribution will help us expand outreach and support for veterans in Greene County,” said a representative from the coalition. “We’re grateful to the cyclists, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who came together to make this event possible.”

More than just a fun bike ride, this tour was a moving tribute to those who’ve served and a rallying cry for mental health awareness. Planning is already underway for next year’s ride, tentatively scheduled for the same weekend. Visit www.gcparkstrails.com to follow the events calendar throughout the year.

Trail Sentinel Gery Deer and event sponsor and rider, Col. Rafi Rodriguez, USAF (Ret.)
Central Ohio Ghostbusters – Who ya gonna call?

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Cycling for a Cause: Support Veterans and Explore Greene County Trails.

In Dayton Ohio News, Education, Health, Local News, psychology, sociology, Uncategorized on June 27, 2025 at 11:07 am

XENIA, Ohio — On any given day, the trails of Greene County provide a scenic escape for cyclists and nature lovers alike. But on Saturday, July 19th, they will play host to a much deeper purpose: supporting the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition (GCSPC) Veteran Subcommittee. Registration is $50 per rider and those registered before June 30 will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

The ride will begin at the Fairgrounds Recreation Center with flexible start times between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., allowing cyclists to ease into the event at their own pace. The event is made possible by the Greene County Parks and Trails, the volunteer Trail Sentinels, and various sponsors including Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC of Beavercreek, and White Allen Auto Group.

According to the GCSPC Facebook page, the non-profit organization is, “A group of dedicated mental health, law enforcement, education and other professionals and volunteers, working to reduce suicide in our community.” The subcommittee focuses on mental health and suicide prevention for veterans, service members, and their families.

“This event is about more than just cycling; it’s about community,” said Gery Deer, a Greene County Trail Sentinel volunteer and event liaison. “Our trails offer connection—both with nature and with each other—and we’re channeling that spirit into something truly impactful for veterans in our area.” Deer’s company, GLD Communications, is also a sponsor of the event.

Those who register before June 30 will receive this commemorative t-shirt.

Three planned routes of 10, 30, and 60 miles are available, accommodating cyclists of all skill levels. Along the way, participants will traverse some of the county’s most iconic pathways, including the Creekside Trail, The Little Miami Scenic Trail, Xenia-Jamestown Connector, and the Ohio to Erie Trail. Rest stops stocked with refreshments will be strategically placed to ensure riders remain energized and hydrated, and the ever-dependable Greene County Trail Sentinel volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to assist participants.

“Our role as Trail Sentinels isn’t just about ensuring safety,” said Deer. “We’re here to make the experience enjoyable and memorable for every rider. Whether someone’s doing the 10-mile route or tackling all 60 miles, we’re committed to helping them have a great day while supporting a critical cause.” In addition to riding the routes to assist riders, the Trail Sentinels will also have a support table under the shelter at Xenia Station, joined also by volunteers from the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veteran Subcommittee.

Participants and visitors to Xenia Station will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and learn more about the impactful work of the Subcommittee. Funds raised from this event will go directly to supporting programs that provide essential resources for veterans, including mental health services and outreach initiatives.

“This is a chance for people to do something they love—riding bikes—while making a real difference in the lives of our veterans and their families,” Deer added. “At a time when critical services are underfunded and undermanned, this event is proof that even a simple activity like cycling can have a profound impact when it’s done for a cause.”

From seasoned cyclists to those who are simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a day outdoors, this one-day ride offers an unforgettable experience that combines the joy of exploration with the fulfillment of giving back. To register go to, https://www.gcparkstrails.com/event/greene-county-bike-tour-for-veteran-suicide-prevention/  

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the 988 suicide and crisis hotline, dial 1 for veteran support.

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Open Mic Night

In Environment, Health, Local News, Opinion, Uncategorized on June 9, 2025 at 8:22 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

It takes a special kind of bravery to step onto a stage, armed with nothing but your talent and a willingness to bare your soul to strangers. Open mic nights embody this raw courage, where artists of all kinds—musicians, poets, comedians—challenge themselves not only to be heard but to connect. To say they are anything less than extraordinary would be missing the heart of the matter entirely.

As I write this, I’m sitting with my brother and cousin after just stepping off the stage at Plain Folk Café in Pleasant Plain, Ohio. My family group, The Brothers & Co., which now consists of my older brother and our cousin, has been performing together for over 30 years. We’ve played at casinos, festivals, theaters, just about everywhere – as professional entertainment.  But I’d never experienced an open mic event until my cousin invited us to go as a group. He was a regular here, receiving a very “Cheers” like welcome from fellow performers when we arrived.

Every Thursday night since 2012, performers and patrons alike enjoy good food and entertainment, and the stage isn’t just a platform; it’s a crucible where artistry takes shape. The sign-in sheet, held aloft by a sombrero-wearing ceramic frog, sets the tone: quirky, welcoming, and uniquely communal. Each participant scribbles their name with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, knowing they’re stepping into an unfiltered arena. Some are regulars, others are first-timers, all are committed.

The pull of an open mic is multifaceted. For some, it’s a chance to test new material, an incubator for ideas that might someday grow into greatness. Writers spend hours pouring their souls into words; musicians craft melodies that echo with personal truths. They arrive not knowing whether their work will elicit applause, laughter, or silence—but they come anyway, driven by the need to express and improve.

Then there’s the process itself—learning not just to perfect the art, but to perform it before a living, breathing audience. Open mic performers are incredibly brave, hoping their work connects with even one person in the crowd. That’s where the beauty lies: that vulnerability becomes their strength. It’s almost a superpower, one which, for all my professional experience, can’t comprehend.

Gary Deer Jr and Gery Deer, two of the trio, The Brothers & Co., watch other performers on stage at Plain Folk Cafe.

The first time I was on stage, I was in first grade, doing a ventriloquist act in my elementary school talent show. I had studied the art for a year or so, and my mom thought I might like to show people. I agreed, and the next thing I knew, I was smack in the spotlight of the ultimate open mic set — me, a ventriloquist dummy, 250 schoolmates, teachers, and parents.

One joke, a laugh; another, some applause, and, at the end, I won first prize for my grade. That moment led to a lifetime of performing in front of audiences, from lecturing and emcee work to appearances at hometown festivals and on national TV. Yet, with all that, I can’t fathom getting up there alone, week after week, in front of a cafe full of patrons and performers. It requires a very different kind of courage.

Open mic nights strip away the barriers between artist and audience. Whether it’s a musician pouring their soul into an original ballad or a comic braving the silence between punchlines, the essence of their art is laid bare. Every strum of a guitar or carefully penned word reveals hours of effort, doubt, and hope. It’s humanity, distilled.

Most importantly, these evenings foster connection. In the glow of the stage lights, an unspoken camaraderie develops among performers and listeners alike. The applause isn’t just polite acknowledgment; it’s a collective celebration of effort and heart. That shared experience is what makes open mic nights so much more than casual entertainment—they’re gatherings where creativity finds its voice and its audience.

If you’ve never been to an open mic event, I urge you to go, not as a critic, but as a witness to the raw courage and artistry on display. You may not love every performance, but you will leave with a renewed appreciation for the grit it takes to share oneself so openly, and for all the creative souls who fearlessly challenge themselves week after week.

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To learn more about The Brothers & Co. Entertainers or Plain Folk Cafe, visit them on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrothersandCo

https://www.facebook.com/plainfolklive

The Brothers & Co. Bus, NOAH'S ARK
The Brothers & Co. Bus served the group when it was a quartet traveling around the region to perform variety and music shows at festivals, theatres, and resorts. It has since been retired.

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The top 9 grilling mistakes and how to fix them

In Children and Family, Food, Health, Holiday, Uncategorized on May 23, 2025 at 7:42 am

Courtesy Associated Press

By  ELIZABETH KARMEL

A man grills hamburgers and hot dogs in Arlington, Va., July 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

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A man grills hamburgers and hot dogs in Arlington, Va., July 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Hamburgers are tended to on a grill in Washington, Aug. 4, 2011. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

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Hamburgers are tended to on a grill in Washington, Aug. 4, 2011. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Hot dogs cook on a grill in New York's Times Square, June 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

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Hot dogs cook on a grill in New York’s Times Square, June 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Steaks cook on a grill in New York, Nov. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

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Steaks cook on a grill in New York, Nov. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

Updated 9:54 AM EDT, May 20, 2025

I love to grill, and barbecue, and I have devoted my career to outdoor cooking for more than two decades. In that time, I’ve seen a lot of mistakes, and people tend to make them over and over. So I put together a list of the biggest grilling don’ts and how to avoid them. Print this list and refer to it the next time you get ready to grill!

Never oil the grill

Many people oil the cooking grates — big blunder! Follow my mantra: “Oil the food, not the grates!” If you brush oil on hot cooking grates (and a lit grill), you run the risk of a big flare-up. The oil that you have brushed on will instantly burn, leaving a sticky residue that will “glue” your food to the grates, making it stick, break apart and dry out_like dehydrating food. If you oil the food, it will stay juicy and promote caramelization_those great grill marks! And help to prevent “stickage.”

Don’t put food on a cold grill

Always preheat a gas grill with all burners on high, or wait until charcoal briquettes are covered with a white-gray ash. Preheating also burns off residue and makes it easier to clean the grill. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t ever need to cook on a grill that is hotter than 550 F. The hotter the grill, the more likely you will burn the outside of the food before the inside is cooked.

Clean that dirty grill

An outdoor grill is like a cast-iron skillet. It gets better and better the more you use it, but you do need to clean it every time you use it. Clean the grill grates twice every cookout with a stiff, metal-bristle grill cleaning brush — before and after you cook. If you do this, it will never be a big job to clean your grill. If you don’t have a grill cleaning brush, crumble a ball of heavy-duty aluminum foil and hold it in a pair of 12-inch locking chef tongs to use to clean the grill.

Know the difference between direct and indirect heat

The most frequent mistake is to choose the wrong cooking method. To be a good griller, you must know the difference between direct, indirect or combo grilling and when to use them. Direct grilling means that the food is set directly over the heat source — similar to broiling in your oven. Indirect grilling means the heat is on either side of the food and the burners are turned off under the food — similar to roasting and baking in your oven. Combo grilling means that you sear the food over direct heat (i.e., to sear a tenderloin, or large steak) before moving it to indirect heat to finish the cooking process. Remember this general rule of thumb: If the food takes less than 20 minutes to cook, use the DIRECT METHOD. If the food takes more than 20 minutes to cook, use the INDIRECT METHOD.

The right way to deal with flare-ups

Never use a water bottle to extinguish a flare-up. Spraying water on a hot fire can produce steam vapors which may cause severe burns. The water can also crack the porcelain-enamel finish, resulting in damage to your grill. Fire loves oxygen, so cook with the lid down and don’t peek. Repeatedly lifting the lid to “peek” and check the food while it’s cooking lengthens cooking time. If you have a full-on fire, turn all the burners off, remove the food and extinguish the flames with kosher salt or baking soda. In a worst-case scenario, use a fire extinguisher, but know that it will ruin your grill.

Avoid frequent flipping

If you are cooking food by the direct method (hamburgers, hot dogs, boneless chicken breasts, small steaks, vegetables, etc.), flip only once halfway through the cooking time. All protein will stick to the grates as soon as it makes contact with the hot grill grates. As it cooks, it will naturally release itself, and that is when you can turn it over with a pair of tongs. Just remember to oil the food, not the grates!

Dodge cross-contamination

One of the most common mistakes backyard cooks make is using the same tongs for raw and cooked foods. This creates cross-contamination and can result in food-borne illness. It’s easy to fix this problem. I have been color-coding my 12-inch locking chef tongs with red and green duct tape for as long as I have been grilling. The different colors help me to remember which pair of tongs I used for raw food (red), like chicken, and which are safe to use for the cooked food (green). And remember to use a separate clean platter for your cooked food, too.

Don’t sauce too soon

If I had a dime for every time I saw someone pour thick sweet barbecue sauce on bone-in-chicken pieces or a whole rack of ribs while they were raw, I would be a very wealthy griller! All barbecue sauces have a lot of sugar in them and sugar burns quickly, almost always burning the outside of the food before the inside cooks. Generally I only brush food with sauce during the final 10-15 minutes of cooking time. With ribs that cook 2-3 hours, I will brush with a diluted sauce (1/2 beer and 1/2 sauce) for the final 30 minutes of cooking time.

Resist testing for doneness by cutting

Cutting your food to test for doneness is another common way people bungle their food. When you cut any protein, you are letting the precious juices escape, and if the food is under-cooked, the area where it was cut will be over-cooked when you put it back on the grill. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test for doneness, and always let your food rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Elizabeth Karmel is grilling, barbecue and Southern foods expert, a media personality and the author of four cookbooks, including “ Steak and Cake .”

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CDC rescinds some termination notices

In Health, National News, Politics, Uncategorized on March 6, 2025 at 8:42 am

By Sarah Naffa

Associated Press – Morning Wire – March 6, 2025

In the news today: The top public health agency in the United States says some employees who were laid off can come back to work; the Trump administration drops a high-profile abortion case in Idaho; and France’s Macron and allies will discuss protecting Europe with French nuclear deterrence. Also, how healthy eating could be tied to good sleep. Supporters of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees protest CDC layoffs, in Atlanta,.
Supporters of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees protest CDC layoffs, in Atlanta, Feb. 18. (Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

POLITICS
CDC rescinds termination notice, calls about 180 fired employees back
The nation’s top public health agency says about 180 employees who were laid off two weeks ago can come back to work. Emails went out Tuesday to some Centers for Disease Control and Prevention probationary employees who got termination notices last month, according to current and former CDC employees. Read more.
What to know:A message seen by the AP was sent with the subject line, “Read this e-mail immediately.” It said that “after further review and consideration,” a Feb. 15 termination notice has been rescinded and the employee was cleared to return to work on Wednesday. “You should return to duty under your previous work schedule,” it said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month pledged “radical transparency” at the department, but HHS officials have not provided details about CDC staff changes and did not respond to emailed requests on Tuesday and Wednesday.

How many of the reinstated employees returned to work Wednesday is unclear. It’s also unclear whether the employees will be spared from widespread job cuts that are expected soon across government agencies.

More on this topic…

‘Read this e-mail immediately’: CDC tells about 180 fired employees to come back to work

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