High Gas Prices Are Here to STAY

I'm not an economist by a long stretch. I'm not savvy to the corporate world or in with the in-crowd of shakers and movers. By comparison, I'm a grain of sand on the beach. But even this grain of sand gets it...high gas prices are here to stay. The sooner you get that through your sandy hair, the easier it will be to reorganize your life.

Why does this grain of sand believe this? It seems pretty obvious I think. First, the fact is oil is a finite resource. Second, there is a growing demand for it from emerging countries, like China and India. These countries are growing in their demands because we are enabling their economies to rapidly expand. QUIT BUYING THINGS MADE OVERSEAS! (And we need to stop outsourcing jobs and industries. This is so basic I can't believe we continue to buy Chinese products and send industry to places like Mexico and S.E. Asia. Anyway...)

So, as the demand for this product increases, the price goes up. The Saudis are, after all, besides being xenophobes and haters of westerners, shrewd businessmen. It's called the Law of Supply and Demand.

Cashing in on this are the U.S. oil companies. They can boo-hoo and make all the lame excuses they want, but I have no pity on people who make billions in profits and then act helpless.

What will happen is that ultimately the U.S. will break down and start drilling in places that environmentalists are trying to safeguard. However, just because there will be more oil, don't expect prices to come down. Why should they? The oil industry will keep them elevated since they know we, as consumers, will continue to pay at the pump. They'll come up with all the lame excuses about costs for drilling and blah blah blah. They are only waiting until we are screaming and rioting before they begin drilling here. Perhaps they'll lower costs a token just to appease us, but probably not.

A way of life is ending. Pure and simple. Sadly, as a country we have done nothing to prepare. We still drive gas-guzzling vehicles. There's still a dearth of public transportation such as trains, subways, etc. etc., particularly in the West. What is there...a subway in San Francisco and a monorail in Seattle? Maybe a trolley here and there, but public transportation is absolutely pathetic compared to that which is available in European nations.

So, what can you do besides buy a fuel efficient car? Here's what I've gleaned on this topic. First, slow down. Second, use your cruise control when possible. Third, accelerate and brake SLOWLY. Fourth, try to live closer to your job so you can bike, walk or take a city bus. Fifth, if you must drive to town, be organized and make all your stops in one trip rather than driving in every day for an item or two. Ever thought of driving a motorcycle or motorscooter?

This does not touch on heating fuel. People who live in the north should get ready to wear lots of sweaters! Maybe move to Panama...Peru...pick your equatorial spot. Sick of high food prices brought on by the cost of fuel? Try gardening...even container pots can produce a lot of food. Keep a chicken as a pet! Eat meat less. Milk's not all it's cracked up to be anyway, so I've been told. Learn to eat beans. Vacation at home and do house projects or explore the city where you live instead of driving or flying to Disneyland, Hawaii or Orlando. Forget Europe! Download Google Earth and visit all those places vicariously.

All of this debacle over fuel is going to affect every aspect of our lives. It's not going to be at all nice. People are already literally starving to death in poorer countries because of the high fuel prices. It's going to be a third class world...except for the Middle East and the new nation of Exxon-Mobil.

Food is More than just Food

Food...we have an unavoidable relationship and interest in food. It sustains us, nourishes us, intrigues us, and sometimes kills us. We all must eat, plain and simple. Yet there is a plethora of psychological and physical factors that affect our choices in what we eat. Do our food choices define us?

I'm not a food specialist. I'm not a dietician...did I even spell that correctly? I am, however, a consumer and the author of two cookbooks, which in many ways is very strange and bizarre.

Here's my basic philosophy: I eat when I'm hungry and I sleep when I'm tired. Now, that sounds simple enough...but the fact is most people don't do these things. Most Americans, it turns out, are sleep deprived. Most Americans are obese or overweight. Why?

There are two attitudes towards food: Those who live to eat, and those who eat to live. The latter are rarely obese or overweight unless they make consistently poor food choices. I am one who eats to live.

I suppose you could say I'm a fussy eater. I don't think of myself as one, but I am a person who simply will not eat food that does not appeal to me. If that means I'm fussy, then so be it. Is it visual? A bit. It's also knowing, or not knowing, what the contents are in the recipe. I can be starving, but if the food is not appealing, I'll just pass on it and wait. (I'm sure if I was literally starving, I'd eat anything.)

So, how did I come to write two cookbooks? Me, someone who doesn't really think about food until it's time to eat? Someone who doesn't salivate all day waiting for a succulent dinner on Thanksgiving Day? Someone who refuses to spend all damn day preparing a meal?

TMJ Disorder. That was the start. It took me a long time to figure out that my jaw would get better if I just ate a softer diet. Ah. That's tougher than it sounds. It definitely eliminates most restaurant meals (and I dislike eating out anyway). Soup and oatmeal rapidly grew boring, which prompted me to start making lists of all the meals I could eat that would be tasty yet easy-to-chew...and even better, easy-to-prepare. Thus, "You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes" was born. My TMJD slowly resolved, but I still use these great recipes most of the time. Many of these recipes were given to me by friends, so I can't claim any great creativity here, although I did make up a few menus - and they're darn delicious!

In fact, I sold more copies of this book to people who DIDN'T have TMJD than to those who did. People loved the easy-to-prepare nutritious recipes, so I reorganized the book, added desserts and bread recipes (mainly for boaters who often are far from bakeries) and published it as "One Pot Galley Gourmet," since most of these meals can be prepared using only one pot or pan.

In writing these books I found that food tells a lot about who you are. This sounds overly simplistic, but what you choose to eat speaks volumes about you. Based on my recipes, I'm pretty simple and straightforward. No fuss, little muss. I use lots of onions, garlic and organic items including organically raised meats/poultry, etc. I enjoy eating healthfully, but I refuse to spend all day fiddling around in the kitchen. Do I eat junk food? Sure. I love chocolate milkshakes, and I'll even eat a Whopper Jr. once or twice a year. Part of one anyway, until I start thinking about the cows and the slaughterhouses. Then I lose my appetite.

Writing these books and talking with groups made me start examining my relationship to food. Some of it is not pretty. As a child I was definitely finnicky, skinny and rickety. I cried at almost every meal which drove my family to exasperation and anger. I did not look upon sitting down to dinner as a good experience (yet when I had children of my own, we always ate dinner together and had a good time talking, laughing and sharing). As a child, however, sitting down to dinner was terrifying and awful. It was not a good feeling at all. I think there was a lot of hostility at that table, to be honest. I suspect I perceived that as a child but didn't know how to deal with it. For many years, eating was more of a burden than a pleasure.

I've had a considerable number of issues with "epiglotis hysteria," and I have my share of choking phobias. I suspect I am easily influenced by traumatic events, and seeing someone choke is my version of terror. I even quit smoking after looking at photos of charcoal, crispy looking lungs, so obviously I am easily motivated!

Anyway, did my childhood phobias and fears ultimately result in my TMJ Disorder? My penchant for wanting to spend as little time as possible preparing meals? My choking fears? Probably. Maybe.

What I have discovered, however, is that in writing my cookbooks I have solved not only my TMJ Disorder, but also come to terms with my eating habits, likes and dislikes. My recipes are absolutely inspired by my listening to what my body truly wants.

Have you thought of what your real attitudes are about food? It's very complicated - especially if you have "issues."

Channeling, Vibrational Harmony and other exciting ideas.

What do you think about all of this? No, I'm not talking about the McCain-Obama-Clinton melodrama unfolding on CNN daily. I am talking about a new, interesting, and revolutionary way of looking at life. I feel like a kid in a candy store.



It all started when I somehow stumbeld across Esther Hicks and her "Ask and It is Given." I'm not sure why I even bought this book...oh, I remember. It goes back to buying "The Secret." But Esther's book is even more interesting as she talks about being in vibrational harmony with the universe. That just sounds so fascinating. And when I started looking back on my life (which has been fairly long now) I realized that when I was actually in harmony, things just had a way of turning out SO WELL. When I was stressing or putting too much energy and emphasis on thoughts or problems, life became much more difficult. Unfortunately, it's easy to be put off with this book as it is poorly written and too...too first grade-ish. It has wonderful ideas, however, and is uplifting and motivational. It can be summed up as: the power of positive thinking.



Well, if that was not enough, then "The Intention Factor" was brought to my attention - almost as if by fate or divine influence, whatever. OH MY GOSH. That book just set my head to reeling and it really opened my eyes to things that I kind of intuitively knew, but had never had anybody really endorse or support before. I was so taken with Lynne McTaggart's book that I bought "The Field," and was again just blown away with the human possibilites that we are so blind to. Both books are superbly written.



Now, how did I wander into the "Seth" books? I'm not sure, but again, it's just reinforcement over and over again that basically, we are more than we think...our nature is just so grand, our potential so vast, yet we spin our wheels over the most mundane concepts, fears and worries.



Anyway, all of this has set me on my ear... or ass...I don't even know one end from the other. I'm fascinated by these people who channel...that is very strange, but believable. Either that, or these people are charlatans of the highest order. I know most scientists would scoff at the whole notion, but there are things that are stranger than we will ever figure out. Science is not the god we have made it to be.



I really love the idea of being one with the world and with nature. I like the whole quantum interpretation and ideas about our "light" and our electromagnetic waves. Somehow, we have all become very, very lost. Either I'm finally finding my way, or I am in the thicket of confusion!

New Book on the Horizon: "Death in the Desert" Coming Soon

After a lot of hedging and stalling, "Death in the Desert," (formerly "The Cactus Murders") will debut sometime this fall. The book, too controversial and defamatory for most publishers and agents, will be, alas, self-published. The book deals with reality, folks. The reality is that there is a RIVER of narcotics flowing into this country from south of the border. The reality is that there are closer to 100,000,000 illegal aliens in this country than the paltry 12,000,000 claimed by the government. The reality is that we could see a Mexican flag waving at the White House if we do not get this situation under control.

For those who loved "Northern Escape," you'll find the same Detective Ben Thomas and State Trooper Chloe Littlebird. Both characters come to terms with their private life decisions in this book (the final Ben Thomas novel) and both make dramatic changes that will shock and surprise the reader. New to the story is Arizona Marshal Jake Starr, a man who straddles the law but steals your heart and your sympathies in the process.

You'll also meet the tragic AND heroic Juana Salcedo, and the spoiled, determined Stephanie
Thomas (yes, Ben's ex.)

If you'd like to be put on the mailing list to be notified when this book is available, contact me via my website: http://www.rlcoffield.com/.

Don't be a Galley (Kitchen) Slave

Hey! The following is a review of my newest cookbook, "One Pot Galley Gourmet," that was written by Tom Jerome, at Moonlight Mesa Associates। Personally,I LOVE this book and its recipes. I know, I know, you're thinking I should like it since I wrote it. You'll like it too! Guaranteed! There are some killer recipes in this book, and they are ALL easy-to-prepare and mostly one pot/pan meals. Nutritious and delicious to boot. Read on.


"One Pot Galley Gourmet," by Becky Coffield, is an irresistible cookbook specializing in easy-to-prepare, nutritious and delicious one pot meals। The book is intended for those who don’t have the time, or the inclination, to spend all day in the kitchen (or galley) preparing a meal.

The book offers informative, and often humorous, tidbits of information generously sprinkled throughout, as well as an engaging account of the origins of Mud Bottom Cake, a tantalizing chocolaty treat. Coffield also strongly encourages the use of natural/organic products. Valuable tips on canning fish and making soup stock from scratch are also included.

This collection contains an excellent selection of beef, fowl, fish, vegetarian and pork recipes। These meals range from the hearty yet simple, like Beef and Barley Mix and Burgundy Beans, to the elegant Lemon Chicken Linguini and (my personal favorite) Salmon Linguini. The ample recipes are easily halved or quartered for fewer servings. The book is not slanted towards fad diets or eating (low carb, low fat, high carb, etc.) Rather "One Pot Galley Gourmet" embraces healthful, wholesome, nutritional meals that are, by and large, EASY TO PREPARE.

For boaters, each recipe carries a notation as to whether the recipe is a STOVE TOP, OVEN, BARBECUE, or SHOREPOWER meal. In addition, most of the ingredients used store well with little or no refrigeration and are usually accessible in most ports in the world. Also, a collection of bread recipes are included for those who venture far from stores and bakeries.

Drawing largely on the author’s first cookbook, "You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes," which spent time considerable time addressing the issues of TMJD (temporomandibular jaw disorder) "One Pot Galley Gourmet" is a happy, fun read with more recipes, a half dozen or more bread baking recipes and easily concocted desserts. Coffield’s creations will not come close to the likes of t.v.’s popular personalities and their haute cuisine, but you won’t find an easier, more nutritious, entertaining cookbook on the market than "One Pot Galley Gourmet."

"One Pot Galley Gourmet" is distributed by Robert Hale & Co., and is currently available at Captain’s Nautical Supply, Amazon.com, and by mail order from www.rlcoffield.com/_wsn/page10.html.

Stop That Clenching and Grinding

One of the leading causes of TMJ Disorder is the propensity for sufferers to be nocturnal clenchers and grinders. Some even find themselves desperately clenching during the day when they are in stressful situations. Traffic jams, personal confrontations, medical concerns and unexpected bad news are just a few examples of what can lead one to clenching while fully conscious.

Nocturnal clenching and grinding can be a particular damaging habit, particularly as the person doing it rarely realizes that this is what they are doing. A sore jaw, aching teeth, headaches, ear pain, tinnitus and many other symptoms can be one’s only indication that something is terribly amiss as one sleeps.

The reasons for clenching and grinding are mysterious and as varied as the large percentage of people who do so. Besides stress, there may be other factors that mitigate this problem. Some scientists are exploring a genetic cause. It seems that many clenchers/grinders also have at least one parent who also does this. Or, since clenching and grinding is a common childhood practice, but one that most (not all) people outgrow, clenching and grinding could be a habit that one just never broke. It’s hard to break a habit that one doesn’t know one has. In fact, it can be hard to break the habit even if one DOES KNOW.

I’ve been a lifelong clencher, with some grinding. I actually lasted many years before problems arose, but when they finally did rear their ugly little heads, I was far down the path of TMJ pain and extreme discomfort. Incredibly, it was a medical doctor who gave me advice on how to stop this nocturnal habit. It worked for me, and it has worked for almost everyone that I’ve shared this with. As odd as this may sound, it’s worth trying. It costs nothing and takes a minimum amount of time.

Ready? This is an exercise using the power of your subconscious. The same subconscious that people tap into to cure cancer and other ailments and diseases. It can cure your grinding habits too. I know...at first I laughed about this too, until I tried it and it worked!

When you go to bed at night, repeat to yourself at least three times, “I will not grind or clench my teeth tonight, and if I do I will wake up immediately and stop.” Remember, say this at least three times and really focus on what you’re saying. When you crawl into bed, place your tongue behind your front teeth. Relax your jaw. The lower teeth should not be touching the teeth above. Repeat your mantra: “I will not grind or clench my teeth tonight, and if I do I will wake up immediately and stop.” This whole process only takes a minute or two. It can make a difference. In addition, many people write this out on a note card or piece of paper and lay it on their nightstand.

The first week I tried this I woke up five to ten times a night as I was starting to clench or grind. Soon, however, the number of times I awoke dropped off dramatically. I no longer clench or grind, and when I start to, I automatically wake up and stop.

It’s worth a try. It’s FREE, and it's worked for me and for many others. Believe in yourself and the power of your subconscious.

You might also want to consider "You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes." This book is filled with helpful ideas for TMJD sufferers as well as a large selection of easy-too-cook, easy-to-chew, nutritious, delicious recipes the entire family will enjoy. The book is available at amazon.com and http://www.youcanconquertmj.com/.

A Medical Mess: TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder, a complicated, difficult-to-diagnosis condition which is even more difficult to treat, is extraordinarily troublesome for doctors and patients alike. The condition comes with a plethora of symptoms, and no two cases ever seem to be exactly alike. Some sufferers experience only a mild and/or annoying popping in the jaws. Others experience jaw dislocations, severe pain in the jaw, headaches, dizziness, ear pain, tinnitus, even back, neck and arm discomfort.

The causes of the disorder are as multifarious as the symptoms. Many report that their problems began after extensive dental work. Most of these cases seem to self-resolve given time and a softer diet. Others experience the onset of pain after accidents or blows to the head or jaw. Often, however, the problem arises because of clenching or grinding of the teeth, most often done while one is asleep. The condition may take years to fully develop, but once it does, it most often never completely resolves, although one may become pain free. Even then, one may always have to be careful about one eats…no apples on the core, corn on the cob, or chewy cuts of meat, and even nuts and crunchy items may be verboten.

Unfortunately, there is no dental or medical certification for treating this disease. Essentially, any dentist can claim to be a specialist in TMJ. This is, sadly, where the real problems may begin for someone suffering from TMJ Disorder. For example, one method of treatment that may work for some, but may actually exasperate the problem for others, is the recommendation to use mouth guards. Recent studies from Wayne State University claim that mouth guards ARE NOT helpful in treating this condition. This is because after a short time the wearer becomes accustomed to the mouth guard and then just begins grinding away on it. Some people, however, insist the mouth guard is a helpful appliance. For others, the mouth guard makes the problem worse.

Tragically, some dentists and doctors prescribe irreversible treatment, such as grinding teeth down to even a bite; pulling teeth and then suggesting expensive bridge and crown work; even surgery. This is done despite the fact that most cases of TMJ will resolve given TIME and a SOFTER DIET.

We are an impatient lot, however, and don’t like leaving the body to its own devices to heal, and when we are talking about TMJ, we are often talking a year or more for the condition to correct, and that is with careful attention to one’s diet. It is also imperative that one stop grinding and clenching if this is the root cause of the TMJD problem. There are various methods for doing this, and one must essentially sort through the literature to find the method that will work for them.

It is critical, however, that one not allow irreversible procedures to be done. The success rate from jaw surgery is miniscule. Most surgeries leave the patient worse off than they were before. We want relief from the pain, but don’t look for relief at any cost. Be wary of taking pain medication also. With the pain medication, one continues to injure the jaw but doesn’t feel the pain! It may be necessary to take medication sporadically, but by all means make sure your diet is soft and easy to chew to avoid making the condition worse. You can find helpful recipes and ideas in "You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes," available at amazon.com or at http://www.youcanconquertmj.com/.