SIX REAL-TIME, TWELVE-MONTH PUBLICATIONS FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE

COVERING THE ART OF COMMUNICATION, LEISURE, AND FINE FARE

STRESS IS A KILLER. CONFIDENCE IS A LIFESAVER!

As an award-winning novelist and outdoors writer, I present the following:

Fighting Back and Winning

Writing Skills (basic to advanced)

The Art of Fiction & Nonfiction

Fishing Salt and Fresh Water~Hunting~Eating Well

Strictly Fly-Fishing

Whining or Dining? ~ The Candid Restaurant Reviewer

A Series of Unprecedented Instructional Courses and Guides.

THE PITCH

It is the intent of these courses and guides to educate, entertain, and make or save you considerable dollars. Depending on the category you choose, the content is based on 40 to 50 years of trial-and-error experience.

Great, but how much is a subscription going to cost me? you're wondering. Answer. Upon first glance, seemingly a lot: $120 for 12 issues, 10% discount for multiple subscriptions—that's less than $10 a month for invaluable information. Determined by the publication you select, these instructional courses and guides promise to do one or more of the following: introduce you to the good life; save you time and frustration; make or save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars! How so? you're questioning.

First, the short answer:

1. Fighting Back and Winning is a guidepost that most lawyers do not want you to follow because they wish to litigate on your behalf—and for big bucks! However, the majority of disputes can be argued by you for a fraction of what it would cost in attorney fees. In every featured monthly article, witness, through actual documentation, how I fought against and won many thousands of dollars for myself as well as others. Discern how I battled such giants as Toyota, Capital One Bank [credit card division], a second major New York bank, the New York Office of Child Support Enforcement (coupled with the Internal Revenue Service), Sea Ray Boats/Brunswick Corporation (the largest boat manufacturing corporation in the world), Del Monte Foods/College Inn Brand (conjoined with the United States Food and Drug Administration), Hampton Jitney, the New York State Saltwater Fishing License matter, to name several entities. Who said you can’t fight City Hall? I’m simply a single soldier. Learn how you, too, can deal with companies and agencies that display apathy, arrogance, defiance, untrustworthiness and incompetence. Follow my step-by-step models and commentaries. Win both the battle and the war against businesses—big and small.

2. Writing Skills (basic to advanced) is a 12-month tutorial that will put you at the top of your game. Courses such as these would cost you hundreds of dollars to well over a grand. I was evaluated as a “gifted teacher” by the chairperson of the college English Department, where I had taught for more than a decade.

3. The Art of Fiction & Nonfiction will provide you with the necessary building blocks to hone your craft. A skilled carpenter carries a box filled with specific tools to ply his trade. Master the writing skills necessary to succeed by subscribing to this unique course. For starters, make money writing articles and interviews. Afterward, as an award-winning novelist, I'll take you to new heights: the novelette, novella, then your first full-length novel. Models are interspersed with instructional commentary from my publications and award-winning novels.

4. Fishing Salt and Fresh Water~Hunting~Eating Well covers the wonderful world of on- and off-the-water activities: fly, spin, bait casting; clamming, crabbing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating; Hunting (waterfowl to whitetails); Eating Well (gourmet recipes and down-to-earth dishes). Learn how to save big money, time, and aggravation by selecting related quality equipment and materials with each month's feature article. Additionally, a prominent figure will be highlighted in the "Spotlight" section. Too, pertinent up-to-date news relating to the outdoors will be included.

5. Strictly Fly-Fishing is a comprehensive guide for beginners, intermediates, as well as advanced anglers of the long rod. The publications is unique in that it is melded to accommodate all levels of experience—from introducing and instructing newcomers to the basics of fly casting, to offering veterans innovative techniques. Feature articles include fly-tying instruction, tools of the trade, fly recipes, money-saving advice re materials, rods, reels, lines, et cetera.

6. Whining or Dining? ~ The Candid Restaurant Reviewer reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is nothing more frustrating than walking into a restaurant and being greeted, seated, then served a rather mediocre meal, running the gauntlet (perhaps) from incompetent staff, rude personnel, to fair to middling fare—or worse—and for above average prices! Of course you wouldn’t go back, but why bother going to such an establishment in the first place? My straightforward commentary exposes such practices and experiences. Wouldn’t you like to be apprised of good to great restaurants beforehand? Surely you would. Whining or Dining? ~ The Candid Restaurant Reviewer tells you precisely "like it is"—and in great detail.



Many how-to magazine articles, manuals and books are filled with redundant, repetitive, and often convoluted language. How many times have you asked yourself: What is the writer saying? What does that mean? Perhaps you thought that the advice offered up in such publications could have been written in fewer words, that it was not necessary for the writer to go on endlessly . . . ad infinitum . . . ad nauseam. Conversely, perhaps you found that the piece did not cover the topic thoroughly, leaving you with several unanswered questions. In this instance, quite possibly an editor's limited space allotment might have been the issue. Too, many times editors will not permit what they believe to be a writer’s biased opinion, or what a publisher feels is the appearance of blatant advertising, insisting that the author of the piece give equal time to competitors’ products. I cut to the core of my topics—clearly, succinctly, yet completely, and, above all, honestly.

Each monthly installment will be presented in digestible doses, set up in specific formats relative to the course or guide. The text will be printed on 32 lb. white linen paper with a #14 font size for easy-on-the-eyes readability. You will find my publications quite unique and their approach innovative.

Now for the long answer:

1. Fighting Back and Winning

Being taken unfair advantage of—or taken to the cleaners? Learn how to Fight Back and Win! Save yourself an inordinate amount of time, unnecessary aggravation, and considerable monies. Especially in today's economy, this guide will prove an invaluable tool. It is one of our most popular publications.

It is the purpose of this guide to teach how to figuratively bludgeon businesses—be they private enterprises, conglomerates, or governmental agencies—that take unfair advantage of their customers and/or the general public. This will be brought to light through twelve installments. The content will be brutally and disarmingly honest, arming you with the necessary weapons in order to defend against unscrupulous practices. For example, the gamut may range from a home-heating oil company’s incompetence in sending out an inexperienced person to service a customer’s burner—resulting in minor damages yet major inconvenience—to pointedly taking on the United States Navy for environmental pollution.

Allow me to illustrate a middle-of-the-road case in which I helped a North Carolina couple resolve a $23,122.70 debt dispute as well as recover $605.53 from the Internal Revenue Service for monies allegedly owed to the New York City Office of Child Support Enforcement. Had a lawyer been retained by Mr. Edward Fitch, it would have cost between $20,000 and $30,000. With a single letter, learn how I succeeded in having Mr. Fitch’s $23,122.70 debt eradicated. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service stopped harassing the man and immediately returned $605.53 garnished from his IRS refund.

Was this matter some sort of “misunderstanding,” or are cases like this part of an ongoing practice via an instrument that empowers the New York City Office of Child Support Enforcement and the Internal Revenue Service to circumvent the law?

Having designed and instructed college-level adult education classes, Consumer Advocacy: How to Fight Back and Win, students frequently stated, in sum and substance, that they learned more in a single evening than they had in weeks of related programs! Fighting Back and Winning is a step-by-step guide aimed at turning you into a heavyweight.

Subscribe to Fighting Back and Winning today, and you will be highly enlightened and entertained tomorrow. You will receive well-documented, firsthand accounts of monies and merchandise that I recouped for others as well as for myself—dollars and goods that would have gone by the wayside if not for a bit of ingenuity. Twelve times a year you will read revealing reports of past and present chicanery committed by unconscionable souls, including how I dealt with them in order to reach a favorable outcome. You will view actual letters, interspersed with commentary. They are models and the magic with which you will learn how to fight back.

You won’t always read about such accounts in your local newspapers or magazines for a number of reasons. For example, certain publications may not allow for controversial stories to share the same pages as their advertisers. Another instance might be the need for an editor to abridge a rather extensive piece as when The News-Review covered one of my stories in approximately two pages. However, I wanted the reader to know all the facts, and how I combated these two companies, which would necessitate going into several pages. An editor’s space allotment simply might not allow for that. Now, suppose I wanted to show you actual back-and-forth correspondences between me and an unscrupulous company, instruct you on how to fight back and avoid pitfalls that I encountered along the way, mistakes I made and how to correct them once realized. I would, indeed, need many more pages to cover story and commentary thoroughly. That’s what you’ll receive in Fighting Back and Winning—the complete picture.

A personal, polite but firm letter addressing grievances usually nips unfair practices in the bud. However, when this approach fails, you have other means at your disposal. Learn how to bring attention to bad behavior and/or unscrupulous practices. However, if the courts become the necessary vehicle, you will learn how to handle yourself in small claims, civil, and even Supreme Court! The dissemination of such information will be presented in Fighting Back and Winning —a massive warclub with which to cudgel culprits, unscrupulous business owners, and/or corporate bullies into some sort of sense and sensibility.

2. Writing Skills (basic to advanced)

Lack the basic writing skills necessary to communicate effectively? If so, you will not be taken seriously. In your very first issue of Writing Skills (basic to advanced), you will immediately learn how to avoid pitfalls most common to poor sentence structure—for example: run-ons, fragments, and comma splices. However, we will refrain from using these as well as many other confounding terms, terms that tend to intimidate rather than teach. Expressions such as coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, adverbial conjunctions, misplaced modifiers, et cetera, are replaced with easily understood wording in lieu of convoluted language. I have designed a course that painlessly explains what you need to know in order to write clearly and effectively. That's a promise! Having taught college English and related composition courses for over a decade, my students had repeatedly said, "I have learned more in a single semester than I had in four years of high school!"

In subsequent issues, you will acquire the knowledge and skill in executing the all-important mechanics of composing a powerful piece: smooth syntax, sophisticated sentence structure, organization, style, et cetera. I will not tolerate the blustering elements of composition to terrorize you, for you are going to learn how to boil water before you begin to cook. Everything is easy once you know how. I present otherwise often boring—sometimes horrifying—grammar lessons within the context of palatable presentations. I enjoyed a 98.8% effective rate in having my college students pass the City University of New York Writing Assessment Test. My credentials speak volumes.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to examine successful writing models on which to build. Also, you’ll be given invaluable tips and sound advice. Moreover, you will save a bundle of money and aggravation in the bargain. Believe me when I tell you that this course will serve you well. Furthermore, you are sure to be entertained, as humor can prove to be a formidable tool, too.

3. The Art of Fiction & Nonfiction

A portion of this course gives prominence to The Art of Fiction — offering techniques for creating powerful prose and quite candid advice on getting published. Figuratively speaking, a good writer has a plethora of tools at his or her disposal—metaphors, similes, analogies; personification, alliteration (assonance, consonance) — to name but a few. Learn how to employ these tools to their full advantage. To date, as an award-winning novelist, I have had three works published: No Stranger Than I, The Author, and The Teacher. Excerpts from my psychological thrillers, along with instructional commentaries, will accompany each issue.

The Art of Nonfiction will include instruction on article writing and interviewing personalities. I have interviewed such folks as Frank Mundus (world-renowned shark fisherman and the template for Captain Quint in the movie Jaws); Frank's wife, Jenny Mundus; and Jon Dodd, the new owner of Mundus' famed Cricket II. Commentaries on the interview process along with publishing venues will be included.

Most importantly, tips on the querying process for both fiction and nonfiction will be covered in detail.

4. Fishing Salt and Fresh Water~Hunting~Eating Well

Fishing Salt and Fresh Water~Hunting~Eating Well is all about enjoying the good life. Initially, you will learn an innovative approach to the alleged arcane art of fly casting. No need to purchase lengthy, often perplexing books devoted solely to the subject. Subsequently, you will discover how to save big money, time, and aggravation by wisely purchasing related quality products: rods, reels, lines, et cetera. Each full-length feature article is written in an informative, entertaining and often humorous fashion. This comprehensive guide is for the beginner, intermediate, as well as the advanced outdoors enthusiast. The publication is unique in that it is superbly blended and balanced to accommodate all levels of experience — from introducing and instructing newcomers to the basics, to offering veteran outdoorsmen/women innovative techniques.

Learn the so-called secrets of angling for trophy fish via fly, spin and bait casting techniques. Many of these methods may be applied to most places around the world. Fishing Salt and Fresh Water~Hunting~Eating Well is about on-the-water fun: clamming, crabbing, kayaking, canoeing, and powerboating. Additionally, this section seasonally targets small and big game Hunting — from wing shooting Canada geese to harvesting whitetails. Ancillary topics such as handguns and laser sights will accompany this guide.

Also, read about issues concerning our right to fish. For example, how many fishing magazines are going to address the unfair issues concerning the New York State saltwater fishing license, charging residents a full year's fee for a three-month fishing period in '09? How many fishing magazines are going to seriously address and continue to hammer away at the unfair bag, size, and season limits for recreational anglers? On a personal level, I do not want to keep and eat a legal size 28 to 40-plus inch striped bass. Ah, but commercial fishermen can catch, keep and/or sell shorter bass by the ton. Do we, as recreational anglers, make anywhere near the impact on the bass fishery as commercial fishermen? Of course not. Most of us would like to catch and consume [and consider fair game] an 18-inch schoolie bass as you are permitted to keep north of the George Washington Bridge. A perfect size for eating. Let us guys and gals come home with dinner. You'll read about recreational anglers' moans, groans, bitches, gripes and complaints here—less likely elsewhere. Moreover, with your support, we'll get something accomplished concerning these matters.

Note: Bob was a former board member of the New York Sportfishing Federation.

Along with the taking of fish and game, this guide is about Eating Well. Learn the art of smoking fish and meats, serving up of gourmet meals, as well as more down-to-earth dishes. A mouth-watering recipe of the month will be featured.

5. Strictly Fly-Fishing

Strictly Fly-Fishing covers the basics and beyond. This 12-month instructional guide will cover shooting tapers for salt water; weight-forward floating lines for both salt and fresh water; types of casts and techniques, including the often frustrating single haul and double haul. Learn about lines, backing and leaders. Get started in the rewarding world of fly tying—covering tools, synthetic and natural materials, creative recipes from small to sizable flies for sweet water and the suds, ancillary equipment, mantis shrimp mania, living legends, and much more. Too, save beaucoup bucks on rods, reels and related items.

6. Whining or Dining? ~ The Candid Restaurant Reviewer

Donna and I have a bit of a following with regard to my restaurant reviews. We are enjoying a reputation of being nicknamed the “Nick and Nora” of East End Long Island dining. My commentary is brutally honest, so much so, that I was surprised and certainly pleased that the editor of Nor’east Saltwater did not omit a single sentence, positive or negative, concerning candid comments made during the Review’s first installment that ran back in March and April of 2009.

On June 28, 2009, Donna and I attended a friend’s memorial service. Thirty-five folks were in attendance. To my astonishment and delight, many of those people happened to mention my restaurant reviews, headlined Whining & Dining During Hampton Restaurant Week. Occasionally, when I meet a group of new people, there might be one in the crowd who says, "Oh, you're the fellow who wrote that novel called The Teacher," or "You're the writer who did that interview with Frank Mundus” [world famous shark fisherman], or “Aren't you the guy who did that kayak article for The Fisherman?" or “I read that fine piece you did on fly-fishing in On the Water." Never, ever had I heard a group of people (mostly men) go on and on about my restaurant reviews, which only appeared in two issues of Nor’east Saltwater. Those folks remarked how refreshing it was to read, “for once,” truly honest restaurant reviews. Additionally, several of those fellows’ wives had gone up to Donna and told her how much they enjoyed the critiques. Donna told the women that I was fishing to write a column for Nor’east Saltwater, or at least have new reviews published for next season’s Hampton Restaurant Week. Donna also told the group that the editor was interested but the publisher was not; after all, it was a fishing magazine. The women were both surprised and disappointed, saying that they would liked to have seen more reviews because they had never read such candid comments. Readers, some as far away as the Carolinas, had written favorable remarks to the publisher. Donna and I received over a dozen e-mails re my restaurant critiquing—all very positive.

When “Nick & Nora” (Donna and I) patronize a restaurant, we walk in unannounced, meaning that we do not pass ourselves off as reviewers. We pay for our own meals and receive no perks. We are customers just like you. When we make a reservation, we put it in Donna's name or use a pseudonym. A good many folks know the name, Banfelder, but not my face. That keeps matters most honest.

Feel free to browse and read a sampling of my reviews by clicking on "Restaurant Reviews" at the top of this page. There you will find links to nine reviews which appeared in Nor’east Saltwater, in March and April of 2009. If you like what you see, you might consider subscribing to this unique guide. Like my other publications, they will save you time, money and frustration. In today’s economy, you owe it to yourself, especially if you dine out frequently, to give this guide a shot.

Now, here’s the catch. I only review restaurants located in Eastern Suffolk County; that is, eateries from the Township of Riverhead to Orient on the North Fork, and from the Township of Riverhead to Montauk on the South Fork. The area includes many restaurants. I feature and thoroughly cover one restaurant monthly, which will include a brief history of the establishment, a wide array of wines, appetizers, entrées, desserts, ambiance and service. In order to report fairly, Donna and I must visit a single restaurant periodically to note their consistency or lack of it, reporting on the good, the bad, and the ugly. You will not find this type of commentary anywhere! Zagat's Ratings & Reviews will tell you just so much. Editors of certain magazines and newspapers will not permit their writers or contributors to review a restaurant too negatively—if at all. Here is where the customer will benefit greatly from Whining or Dining? ~ The Candid Restaurant Reviewer, for you will be highly educated and entertained.



Most who have subscribed to these courses and guides are among our dear friends and strong acquaintances who have taken advantage of these introductory offers. Word is steadily getting out there, and I am still extending this opportunity at a deep discount. When each 12-month publication goes public through a projected major advertising campaign, the price will be increased from $120 to $255 per subscription. So please act now!

As an added incentive, those who have already subscribed, as well as those who subscribe before this costly operation is launched, shall be price protected; that is, $120 per publication along with a 10% discount on multiple subscriptions.


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If any one or more of these six subjects sound appealing, then these courses and guides are definitely for you. They are designed to save you money, help build self-confidence, instill self-improvement, and offer enjoyment while enriching the lives and well-being of men, women and young adults. For an annual subscription (12 issues), select from the following six categories: (1) Fighting Back and Winning; (2) Writing Skills (basic to advanced); (3) The Art of Fiction & Nonfiction; (4) Fishing Salt and Fresh Water~Hunting~Eating Well; (5) Strictly Fly-Fishing; (6) Whining or Dining? ~ The Candid Restaurant Reviewer

Please send payment of $120 per publication for a twelve-month subscription of choice. That’s a mere $10 an issue for invaluable knowledge that, depending on the guide you choose, will do one or more of the following: introduce you to the good life; save you time and frustration; make or save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars! A ten percent (10%) discount is applied to multiple subscriptions. If you hate being taken advantage of and would love learning how to fight back intelligently with remarkable results, wish to master writing skills, enjoy literature, relish the great outdoors—coupled with eating well, you’ll benefit from being a subscriber. Choose among these six monthly periodicals that suit your needs and interests.

All the best,
Bob Banfelder

Please click here to become a subscriber.



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