I must say that I was not at all surprised by the decision made on Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Tauro to dismiss a plagiarism lawsuit that was filed by Susan Hassett (author of Living With Celiac Disease) against  Elisabeth Hasselbeck (author of The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide and star of the television show "The View"). I predicted such an outcome in my blog post: Did Elisabeth Hasselbeck Commit Plagiarism in The G-Free Diet?

Apparently the lawsuit was dismissed after Hassett’s attorney, Richard Cunha, failed to file certain paperwork in a timely manner.

According to Bostonherald.com:

"It’s unclear why Hassett didn’t pursue the case. Her lawyer, Richard Cunha of Swansea, yesterday told the Herald, 'I can talk about that,' then hung up the phone."

Just for the record I never received a response from Hassett (I emailed her directly) regarding her book's use of my site's Safe & Forbidden Lists page from May 30, 1997. She used an almost identical copy of my copyrighted list without permission or proper citation. I asked that she correct this in future editions of her book, but she has ignored my request.


Source:
Judge tosses plagiarism suit vs. “View” star Elisabeth Hasselbeck

I'm writing a book about the bladder, and one of the points I came across in my research, perhaps not too surprisingly, is a link between gluten intolerance and/or celiac disease and chronic prostatitis in men.  I've also run across a comment posted regarding this link on the gluten-free forum on this site, but I really want to learn more about this link to document it for the book.  So, what I'm wondering, and asking, is if anyone would be willing to share their story with me?  My guess is that chronic prostatitis often exists concurrently with other symptoms more typical of gluten reactions, and that going on a gluten free diet helps those symptoms, with the added, although unexpected, benefit on the prostate.  Can anyone help me out?  All confidentiality will be protected.

Hello Everyone!  I was diagnosed with celiac disease about six months ago or so.  I was doing well.  I felt a lot better right away.  Then in August I messed up a number of times by eating out.  Now I have been very strict.  Although still a learning curve with hidden gluten/cross contamination.  My number went from 37 to 10. 

 My thing is I have been getting very nauseous for about a month now.  My GI doc thinks it is because I still have gluten in my system (the number being 10 still).  Prior to being diagnosed nausea wasn't the problem.  It was bloating, cramps, bowel issues, migraines (side note: migraines are gone!).  But now I am nauseous daily.  I had bloodwork and an ultrasound done for gall stones, liver and pancreas and all was fine.  It doesn't seem to matter what I eat.  It is usually after lunch, and I normally eat salad, meat and veggies, banana and almonds.   Today I had no lunch and had coffee with milk and I suffering bad with nausea, sweating and headaches.  I don't seem to have trouble with milk but maybe I do.

I am just wondering what other celiacs would have to say.  I am committed to doing this, I just wish I would start feeling better. Any advice is appreciated.

Good Morning Everyone,
It has been sometime since I have checked in and for that I apologize.   The gluten-free diet is going well but a little boring.  I did discover a new product (well new to me).  I was shopping at my local Redners a few weeks back.  I was picking up the cookies my hubby likes.  upon my arrival I noticed 2 men standing right in front of my (LOL) gluten free section of the aisle.  I say mine because I never see anyone else standing there. I became very curious as to why they were there.  As it turned out, Redners was increasing their line of gluten-free items and in doing so now carries Dr. Schar Products. I spoke at length to the sales rep.  The company is European and he informed me that across the pond they are more concerned than the US in getting this stuff to taste good.  I was very excited.  The pasta was fantastic and my hubby loves the shortbread cookies.  Check it out and let me know if you try any of the other products.  Happy Eating!

Last weekend all 5 of us went to Hershey Park. What an experience to have with a celiac! We did search the official website for Hershey Park and was happy to see they offered a page listing all the ingredients of the food at the park.  There was one place that had gluten free hamburger buns.  Over all we did have a good time but worrying about what a person can eat and be at an amusement park is difficult.  Mostly because the one of the best parts to being there is munching on the junk food.  If we go again I will call and see if there is something we can do that would allow us to bring in his food since their offering was so little.  Have a great day and happy eating.

Good Morning All!  Well as good as it can be considering it is Monday.  I have to tell you all how important  a great support system is when it comes to celiac disease.  As the only cook in my house for my husband I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to have friends and family who help you with this chore of love.  We had a party to attend on Saturday and my friend went out of her way (it was her daughter's 13th b-day party) to make my husband the best pasta salad he has had in a while.  We all ate it.  Then on Sunday, my mom made meatloaf and because she did not have enough gluten free breadcrumbs she made some to use and was even very careful how she seasoned and toasted the bread crumbs. They used them to make my husband his own meatloaf.  With working full time it is hard to keep the menu fresh during the week when you are cooking regular food.  But we all know when a specific diet enters the picture it is even harder.  So to have people around you that really care to help keep your loved ones safe is the best gift to get.  Thanks to all my wonderful friends and family, you ROCK!

It's been a while since I penned a blog entry for this site and it's been something I've missed. I intended to post something in June, but the gluten-Gods had something else in mind for me, and on June 20th I was seriously gluten-poisoned while eating out at an Italian restaurant - and have been suffering the serious physical and mental consequences ever since.

As much as I love home-cooking, I certainly also enjoy a nice meal out and the social life that usually accompanies dining outside the home. Since being diagnosed as a celiac disease nine years ago, I've learned to navigate through many restaurants safely and with confidence, yet on the other hand, there have also been many times when the message of cooking gluten-free was not properly transmitted from server to chef, and I've paid the serious price for their lack of awareness via a very sick body.

This past incident, however, has made me really angry and that's not like me - but when a restaurant so blatantly goes to great lengths to advertise and serve homemade gluten-free pastas on their menu, in my opinion, they are announcing that they have not only the understanding but the full awareness of exactly what gluten-free food preparation entails - this was so sadly not my experience on that lovely June evening. In fact, I went to great lengths to speak with the restaurant staff, and server five times from when the reservation was made on line, to a phone call, and throughout my meal.  What more can a paying Celiac customer do to ensure their safety?

As it turns out, the special gluten-free pasta that I ordered ahead of time was then prepared with a basil cream sauce that was mixed with wheat flour, and then poured all over my delicious pasta and served to me. I instinctively asked the server as the beautiful plate of too-good-to-be-true pasta was placed in front of me, "okay so this meal is 100% gluten-free, correct?"...."Yes, enjoy!"....I was told.

It's this kind of negligence, and lack of understanding about how Celiacs and gluten-intolerant folks truly have to eat to ensure safety, that really incenses me.

I'm sure there are many of you out there who have experienced similar situations, and hopefully survived to tell about it.  Our voices need to be heard and in my opinion when gluten contamination of food in a restaurant happens, it's not simply a stomach ache that ensues...there are serious symptoms involved that restaurants all across this nation need to be educated about.  It's really a matter of life and death.

Good Morning all,  Sorry I have not written in a few days.  We have be busy like all of you.  Friday night my husband and I went to our favorite place to eat (since the diagnosis).  Pizzeria Uno. The most fascinating thing happen.  We were sitting there eating our food talking about what else, G-free eating, when all of the sudden the couple sitting in the booth behind ours said "you all are eating gluten free?"  As it turned out her husband was diagnosed with many food allergies including gluten.  Poor thing.  It sure made me appreciate my husbands single issue.   Well, we did what any foursome would do..... we completely confused the waiters by moving to another table and sharing our stories.  What amazing conversation we all had.  And what better an opportunity to have than to spend an evening with people with the same issue. 

So the next time you feel a little embarrassed about asking the waiter for special info regarding your diet, don't.  You never know who will be listening and what a great opportunity that is.  

Have a great day and keep on eating great food!

As soon as the diagnosis of celiac disease came, the doctor told us he would refer us to a really good dietitian.  We were very excited to get in front of her because we had so many questions.  As with anything else, the more information you get the more you need so you can filter through it all.  I found out that the insurance would not cover it.  The plan only covered a dietitian for a diagnosis of diabetes.  I could have waited until letters were sent and pre-authorization was in place but we were anxious to see what we needed to do.  So off we went only to find out that not only did this person not specialize in celiac disease, she told me that I knew more that she did.  She was a weight loss specialist.  The bill came in the mail the other day for $500.00.  I was shocked.  So here is a bit of advise.  If you doctor advises you to see a dietitian, check with your insurance company for coverage and make darn sure they specialize in the disease or you will be wasting your money.

Have a great day!

These delicious creations are by far the best pieces of chocolaty goodness I've had. Once you take that first bite you'll keep going back for more and more. Take my word try them out and tell me what you think. (Schar Chocolate Hazelnut Bars are available at The Gluten-Free Mall).