National Geographic’s ‘Inside the Curve’ Makes Us Wonder Just How Prepared We Are for the Next Health Crisis [REVIEW]

December 9, 2022 by Leave a comment

Woman puts a mask on her daughter
Everyone had to adopt a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com)

From the time COVID-19 seemed like the rumblings of distant thunder to the moment it arrived on our doorstep as a full-blown health crisis of global proportions, ordinary men and women rose to become heroes throughout the pandemic. We have all heard some of the stories, particularly those that were local, including those about the front-line workers who kept us fed and the first responders and physicians who worked tirelessly to keep us healthy. Now, in National Geographic’s touching and thoughtful new book (Inside the Curve): Stories from the Pandemic, we get the opportunity to meet many of the folks we didn’t hear about. As we learn to embrace our new normal, this volume helps us never forget how far we have come and yet how much further we still have to go.

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National Geographic’s ‘Wild Seas’ Fills Us with Awe [REVIEW]

December 9, 2021 by 2 Comments

Marine Iguana (Photo courtesy Thomas Peschak Photography, Facebook)

I am amazed when I talk to people who have never been to the ocean. Then again, I have always felt like a product of the sea myself. From my childhood in Southern California to my time working in Massachusetts as an adult, the sea has beckoned to me like a siren. I love the feel of the sand underfoot and the waves on my toes. Even the briny scent of ocean air is heady to me. But most of all, I am fascinated by the creatures that live beneath the surface in all their technicolor splendor, whether they are breathtakingly beautiful or look like something out of the Alien movies. I love them all, which is exactly why I think everyone needs a copy of photographer Thomas Peschak’s stunning new book, Wild Seas. In it, he captures our imagination with 200 unforgettable photographs you need to see to believe.

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8 Ways to Unplug from Social Media [GUEST POST]

January 26, 2021 by 1 Comment

Woman relaxes by reading on a dock
Sometimes we all just need to unplug. (Photo courtesy Canva)

Social media can be great – but taking a break is important for your mental health. Like Jessica in my novel Everything is Fine sometimes I need to remind myself how to find happiness in real life too. Here are some of the things me and my kids do to de-stress.

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National Geographic’s ‘History at a Glance’ is Epic and Awe Inspiring [REVIEW]

November 22, 2019 by 3 Comments

Pyramids at Giza

Visit the Pyramids at Giza and other great sites in National Geographic’s History at a Glance. (Photo by foundin_a_attic, Flickr)

Whether I’m watching an old movie, reading a fascinating biography or novel, or planning a trip to a place I’ve never visited before, I always like to delve a little deeper into the history behind an event, person, or place. I don’t always have the time to visit the library and haul out an encyclopedia to look up places like “Giza” (pictured above) and I can’t always rely on what the Internet has to say about a matter. So what’s a guy to do? That’s where National Geographic steps up to help a bro out. Their latest volume, History at a Glance, is the perfect reference book to keep on hand for concise armchair research.  Read more of this post

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‘National Geographic Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness’ Answers the Questions We Should Ask, but Don’t [REVIEW]

April 12, 2019 by 2 Comments

Henry and Heather

Henry is one happy pooch… especially when his mommy takes him for a walk. (Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

You guys know we are huge animal lovers. We’ve both had so many pets over the years that we can barely keep track of all of them. But as any pet parent knows, there are times when you simply have questions. Should I buy a purebred or adopt from a shelter? How much food should my fluffy friend actually eat? Do animals have allergies too? Now you don’t have to wait to take your family pet to the veterinarian to get answers. National Geographic has a great new book every family with a four-legged friend should own, the Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness by Dr. Gary Weitzman. Read more of this post

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