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The Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance Exhibit

The Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance exhibit opened at the GRAMMY® Museum in Los Angeles. It offers an intimate glimpse into Luther Vandross’s creative process. It showcases his ornate stage wardrobe, exclusive performance footage from his popular tours, and a never-before-heard recording of him in the studio.

Exhibit highlights include:

  • Hand-beaded suits and jumpsuits worn by Vandross and his background singers during the Power of Love Tour in 1991
  • An emerald green hand-beaded suit and two matching gowns worn by Vandross’ background singers, alongside Vandross’ black tuxedo from his 1993-94 performances
  • Original fashion sketches of Vandross’ tour wardrobe
  • Handwritten lyrics and studio notes for “I Can Make It Better,” featuring an exclusive recording of Vandross crafting the song
  • Six of Vandross’ eight GRAMMY Awards®

I was thrilled to lend my Luther Vandross memorabilia to the exhibit as I continue to raise awareness for the health-related conditions related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes such as stroke. Please keep your house a home and learn how to support, encourage and empower somoeone living with, at risk, and affected by diabetes stay on track with their daily self-care.

Celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Luther Vandross, an eight-time GRAMMY® winner, revered songwriter, arranger, producer, performer, and one of the most gifted vocalists in music history.

The GRAMMY® Museum is located at 800 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

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Buffalo-Style Baked Carrots

Baby carrots are a quick, easy snack, but plain carrots can get boring. Why not turn your next bag of baby carrots into a spicy treat? Try adding hot sauce. Surprisingly, carrots enhance hot sauce’s flavor and texture, making it hotter and more enjoyable. Enjoy this quick, easy recipe.

Buffalo-Style Baked Carrots

Ingredients

1 lb baby carrots

1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 cup milk

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon yeast

1 cup buffalo sauce

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup of blue chees crumble

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Rinse carrots and dry. Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add milk, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce and stir until the mixture turns into a thick batter. Using a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs and yeast. Dip each carrot into the batter, then then into breadcrumbs. Place each coated carrot on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove carrots from the oven, toss with buffalo sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley and blue cheese crumble. Adjust the heat of the sauce to suit your taste. It is delicious!!

Enjoy this animated scene from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” streaming on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and BlogTalkRadio.

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Divabetic Mysteries Podcast: Kill Me Madam

Divabetic’s Mysteries podcast, Kill Me Madam, is packed with loads of diabetes information and self-care tips wrapped up in a cozy mystery radio drama.

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin.’

But resentment, greed, and Britannia’s bad dealings turn everyone into a suspect when she’s found dead in the parking lot just before the Annual Decadents on Deck! Bake Off competition is about to kick off.

Delusional baker and amateur sleuth Mr. Divabetic is even shocked to find himself being treated as a suspect in the case by the local police after meeting her just once!

As if his life wasn’t crazy enough before, escaping a murderous mishap in New York and attempting a fresh start in Nantucket has become a complete and utter baking disaster.

Max, along with his friends and nosy mother, have to add tracking down a murderer to his To-Do list, too.

Can our team hunt down the real murderer before they strike again? Will he become the next victim? Can Max ever manage to bake an edible cake?

Stevia, acesulfame K, and sucralose are low-calorie sweeteners that can be 200–600 times sweeter than sugar. Our friend, Stacey Harris known as the The Diabetic Pastry Chef recommends using multiple sugar substance rather than just one substitute in your best recipes for the best results.

Almond or coconut flour are lower in carbohydrates and higher in fiber, which can help slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.

For more baking tips and a captivating murder mystery, tune in to Divabetic’s Mysteries podcast: Kill Me Madam on YouTube, Blog Talk Radio, iTunes and Spotify.

FEATURING
Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Wendy Radford, CoachThe Cure‘s Trisha Artman, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams.

Carb Kitty make carbohydrate counting fun! Carbohydrate counting, or “carb counting,” can help you manage your blood glucose levels. Foods that contain carbohydrates raise your blood glucose values. By monitoring the amount of carbohydrates you eat can help to better understand your blood glucose levels.

Carbohydrates (“carbs”) can be counted 2 ways: by grams or by carb choices. Remember: 1 carb choice = 15 grams of carbohydrate. Mr. Divabetic’s new educational game, Carb Kitty, makes counting carbs fun.

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Dazzle Like A Diva

Living with diabetes can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. At Divabetic we offer podcasts featuring experts on mind, body and soul to help you manage your emotions, fears and spirit.

When you have panicky thoughts, try to reframe them. Focus on what you can manage: Try to simplify self-management and focus on what you can manage rather than what you can’t manage. Connect with others and find a support group.

Barry Manilow’s classic hit, “I Made It Through The Rain” sparks real-life confessions about overcoming challanges related to diabetes health.

Babyface’s iconic hits help us celebrate Divabetic’s 12th Year Podcast Anniversary.

We’re talking about Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a chronic mood disorder that causes severe emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms in the week or two before menstruation.

We’re talking how our choice of words can make a difference in our attitude about living with diabetes.

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Divabetic Mysteries: Gypsies, Tramps & Peas

Check out this delightful scene from Divabetic’s Gypsies, Tramps, and Peas murder mystery podcast, available on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, and BlogTalkRadio!

This isn’t just for the mystery enthusiasts; it’s a fun and engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Between the vibrant characters, wild adventures, and intriguing settings, we sneak in health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes.

Next time you find yourself facing unexpected blood sugar changes, think like a detective! Look for clues, jot down your observations, chat with your support system, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for solutions.

A collaborative approach to managing diabetes can work wonders!

Synopsis: Meet Mr. Divabetic, a diabetes advocate turned amateur sleuth, as he takes a leap into his new role as a healthy caterer. With the help of his quirky co-workers and his nosy Italian mother, he heads to Coney Island to cater a party on a yacht for his old swim coach, Ted Rockow.

But things take a dark turn when the guest of honor turns up dead! Was it just an unfortunate accident, or is something more sinister at play?

Now, Mr. Divabetic is grilling a colorful cast of characters—a lively group of Burlesque dancers, a charming lifeguard, a mystical gypsy fortune teller, and even a few sparkling mermaids—each trying to keep their secrets hidden beneath the waves.

Can Mr. Divabetic conquer his fear of green peas and uncover the truth about his coach’s death: murder or mishap? Will he float to safety or sink into despair?

Tune in to see if he can crack the case with a bit of help from his loving Italian mother and his friends. Along the journey to unveil the murderer, he’ll share valuable diabetes self-care tips perfect for those sunny summer days!

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, best-selling author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Asha Brown of We Are Diabetes, Chef Robert Lewis aka The Happy Diabetic, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams.

Enjoy the adventure!

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Diabetes Murder Mystery: Murder Plain As Vanilla

Enjoy Divabetic’s animated 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care.

We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions.

A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a summary of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.” Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his arch-nemesis, Renata Whisk, to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition.

The competition will feature renowned culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess. Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation.

However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive.

To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk.

Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: “Murder Plain As Vanilla” features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, Leisa Chester Weir, and Amparo Peterkin. Written by Max Szadek and Wendy Radford. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Animated by Max Szadek.

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Intolerance Is Not Welcomed Here

I find it interesting how quickly people adapt to new terms like “matcha,” “vegan,” “gluten,” and “oat milk.” Yet, when it comes to respecting someone’s identity by using “them,” some seem to struggle.

It’s curious that they often say, “I don’t understand” or “it doesn’t make sense,” while they can effortlessly rattle off a complex drink order with terms they’ve only recently learned. Maybe it’s time we practice a bit more compassion and understanding, extending it beyond just our diets.

According to a quick Google search, matcha is powdered green tea leaves dissolved in hot water to make tea or used as a flavoring.  

The catechins in matcha and green tea may decrease oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body—and prevent inflammation. They’re also very good for your heart and could lower your risk of atherosclerosis (the hardening of your arteries), high blood pressure, and heart disease.

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Pianist Jean Yves Thibaudet’s Glorious Sense of Style

How are you living your best life?

My friend Jean-Yves Thibaudet, an incredible pianist, embodies a philosophy that says, “You can’t just show up; you’ve got to dress up!”

He always looks fabulous from head to toe. On the gloomiest days, his style fills the room with sunshine.

Jean-Yves’ collection of Vivienne Westwood pieces is impressive, featuring sleek and stylish custom-made designs perfect for the stage. He often arrives at rehearsals in an eye-catching bright scarlet red velvet peacoat or a cozy denim jacket covered in fun illustrations—outfits that seem meant for performances!

Those striking Vivienne Westwood sneakers? They add a bit of sparkle to the 10,000 daily steps he takes.

If staying active feels like a grind, maybe incorporating some sparkle into your workout gear or water bottle could help motivate you.

When I asked him what inspires his fun and lively sense of style, he beamed and said, “We only live once, and there’s no dress rehearsal—just that one show; we’ve got to enjoy it!!!!!”

Jean-Yves Thibaudet will be touring with Michael Feinstein in an innovative program, Two Pianos Who Can Ask for Anything More?, for two pianos, celebrating the music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and others.

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Shame And Diabetes

The bedrock of my advocacy work for the diabetes nonprofit Divabetic has been helping women and their loved ones affected by, at risk, and living with type 1, type 2, and prediabetes overcomes shame.

As an openly gay man, I am acutely aware of how toxic shame can be in your life and the obstacles and barriers it can create to prohibit you from achieving your health and life goals.

In 2003, when I began my diabetes outreach efforts, I instantly recognized a similarity between my experience of accepting my sexuality and the experience of many people receiving their diagnosis. This connection pushed me to add layers of empowerment, self-love, and pride to traditional diabetes educational programming.

Accepting yourself (and your health) is a fluid, ongoing experience. After 30 years, I have good days and bad days. Being gay has been a superpower and a cross to bear. I can walk through life unnoticed or be the target of hate and blame for no apparent reason. At times, I still stumble with my confidence and resolve around my identity, so I can understand why, after two decades of dealing with the daily grind of diabetes, people throw up their hands rather than roll up their sleeves.

Recently, I was called out for being ‘obviously gay’ by two film reviewers who reviewed the Luther: Never Too Much documentary even though I made no mention of my sexuality. I was left scratching my head after hearing their comments about me. I can only hope that someone struggling with their sexuality sees me on screen and finds comfort and connection. I didn’t have many older role models to turn to when I was coming out during the AIDS crisis, so it would be a blessing to be one of the next generation.

Experts advise you to accept love and kindness from others, explore positive traits to help overcome feelings and thoughts related to shame, and share your experience living with diabetes to help conquer misinformation. This advice, taken as a whole, can be overwhelming. If you feel that way, you’re not alone. Hopefully, you will turn to Divabetic on the bad days for encouragement and be a source of encouragement for others by sharing your experience on the good days.

This week has been a source of celebration for some and distress for others in our community. I am laser-focused on continuing to build a bridge between all the different types of divas and their loved ones, creating strength through support and being a bright light in moments of despair for everyone. Shame has an insidious way of showing up at the absolutely wrong times in your life to knock you down and out.

Please continue to turn to us and allow us to turn to you to empower each other to dazzle in our diabetes lives.

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Single-Use Plastics Are Overwhelming

According to the Los Angeles Times, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo misrepresent the environmental impact of their plastic bottles.

I used art, creating my Halloween displays with single-use plastic, to draw attention to the alarming prevalence of single-use plastics in our lives.

The two companies are among the world’s top plastic polluters. Currently, just 9% of the world’s plastics are recycled. The rest are incinerated and set to landfills or in rivers and oceans. Experts say that almost 3.5 billion bottles are left unaccounted for and can only be recycled once or twice.

One of the other major concerns related to the abundance of single-use plastics is our health. The tiny particles in plastics known as microplastics have been detected in every ecosystem on the planet. Microplastics have been found in the brain, heart, lungs, blood, and semen.  Microplastics have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes because they contain additives that act as endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which can alter the body’s hormone system and impair glucose homeostasis. 

Collecting my single-use plastics, including water bottles, take-out food containers, cups, straws, and food packages over two months, really opened my eyes to the staggering amount of trash I contribute to the environmental crisis.

My single-use plastic swamp comprises plastic bottles and cardboard packaging that I painted to resemble foliage.

Everything used to make my displays, except the wigs and crowns, is made from recycled materials – water bottles, pizza boxes, FedEx boxes, damaged comic books, broken lamp shades, paper towels, toilet paper rolls, New York Times newspapers, bubble wrap, coffee cans, lids, and packing foam. 

If you’re concerned about the abundance of single-use plastics and their harmful effects, focus on reducing or replacing one plastic item at a time, like your daily iced coffee container. You can also bring your reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and utensils when you go out. 

Avoid buying new clothing, especially polyester, which is spun from plastic. Instead, look for secondhand options or natural fibers like cotton, wool, rayon, or silk.


Plastic containers can be reused for years, but don’t use them for hot foods or liquids, and don’t microwave them.

Please do some research to learn more about the harmful effects of single-use plastics. 

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