I often don’t review the nonfiction books I read, but I felt this one was important to share. BOOST YOUR BRAIN is an older book (published 2013) I downloaded on my iPad years ago when it was on sale. It’s one of many parked on my e-reader about brain health […]
Enjoy Better For You Raspberry Poppyseed Muffins
Instead of getting your breakfast at the coffee shop, bake some delicious muffins that are also good for you. The way to accomplish a better muffin is to use some whole grain flour, a healthy fat, buttermilk or yogurt, and less sugar and salt. Add fresh fruit and some nuts […]
For The Joy of Animals: Animal Acts of Compassion
Compassion is not just a human trait. It is a universal “being” trait and animal acts of compassion are all around us if we look. The meaning of “Compassion” comes from Latin root “passio”, which means to suffer, and the Latin prefix “com”, meaning together — to suffer together. Compassion […]
Book Review: ANIMALIA by Jean-Baptiste Del Amo
As ANIMALIA by Jean-Baptiste Del Amo promises by its title, it is, on the highest level, about animals – specifically, about the complicated and often brutal and indifferent historical treatment of animals by farmers. But it’s also about people, an introspection about the similarities and differences between humans and those […]
Words: Albert Einstein “Widening Our Circles Of Compassion…”
In a letter to a grieving father, Albert Einstein shared his thoughts on the human disconnect between the narrow “universe” we are imprisoned in and “Universe” of nature we need to “widening our circles of compassion” to live in: “A human being is a part of the whole called by […]
Book Review: THE SPEED OF LIFE by Anne Pete
THE SPEED OF LIFE by Anne Pete is a compelling debut novel and a must read for anyone who loves the Arizona desert, strong but vulnerable female characters, and moving personal journeys. The biggest fear most of us have is losing control over our lives and our body. If we […]
For The Joy Of Animals: Ninja Squirrels
We humans tend to think our intelligence makes us superior, but we still have a lot to learn from the animal world, especially when it comes to patience, persistence, and adaptability… Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, entrepreneur and science guy provides the proof with a must see video for […]
Make Your Own Creamy Salad Dressings
Now that shopping is a major chore in this pandemic time, keep it simple by making your own salad dressings. Start with homemade mayonnaise. You won’t believe how easy it is to make or how delicious it tastes. You probably have most of the ingredients you need to make these […]
Book Review: EAT COMPLETE by Drew Ramsey
Eat Complete by Drew Ramsey, MD effectively details the importance of nutrients and the role they play in brain health. After working with mood and anxiety disorders in patients, Ramsey began researching nutrition and how it affects the brain. His latest book is an amazing scientific resource detailing what nutrients […]
Spring’s Best — Fresh Broccoli Salad
Broccoli is at its best in the spring. Broccoli is also good for you because it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you are tired of cooking it in traditional ways, try this unusual and great tasting fresh broccoli salad recipe. ###
Music: NO DIRECTION by Rachael Yamagata
Songs resonate when they speak to us personally and capture a moment in time. While binge watching ONE SPRING NIGHT on Netflix, I became entranced by a song — NO DIRECTION by Rachael Yamagata — that played in the background. The melody and words beautifully matched the mood of the romantic story being […]
Fresh Strawberries Signal Spring
It is strawberry season in my area and their beauty is hard to resist. You can make some wonderful dishes with them but nothing is more pleasing than Strawberry Shortcake. Here is a healthy version that will help you celebrate the beginning of Spring. ###
COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 (part 1) — Fast Facts
Because Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the illnesses it creates Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) are new to humans, there are many unanswered questions even among the medical/health professionals as to its spread and impact within our communities. As a result, in January of 2020, 94 […]
For The Joy Of Animals: Wildlife Bridge Cam
Wildlife cams are always fascinating to watch. As a nature lover it is sad to admit I was both surprised and amazed to see the diversity of foot traffic over this 23 year old bridge. It is heartening that so many wildlife interactions are happen all around us every day. […]
Book Review: FREE MEN by Katy Simpson Smith
Katy Simpson Smith, once again, beautifully weaves nature alongside the lives of her characters in her second novel – FREE MEN is based on actual figures in history – about a disparate group: runaway slave, white man, Creek Indian (and, to a lesser degree, a Frenchman tracking the trio). The […]
xkcd comic: Weird Hill
Is a deep attachment to hills weirdly universal? Or are all hills inherently weird?
“Valued Living” — Pursuing Meaningful Actions, Not Happiness
John J Donahue is assistant professor in the Division of Applied Behavioral Sciences and programme director in the Certificate Program in Professional Counseling Studies, both at the University of Baltimore. ~ It’s better to focus on where you are going than how you are feeling The notion that emotional pain […]
Music: CELESTE & BLONDE by Roger & Brian Eno
Cue the classic movie scene of contemplation and it is almost always a ride through the countryside. The passenger in a car or a train, deep in thought, watching the panoramic scenery passing by. The background music is wistful and meditative. But what music and which scenery would you choose […]
Words: “We Seek An Enlargement Of Our Being” — CS Lewis
In AN EXPERIMENT IN CRITICISM, C.S. Lewis answers the question of Why We Read and also provides the answers to why all forms of storytelling are so important: “We seek an enlargement of our being. We want to be more than ourselves. Each of us by nature see the whole world from […]
Beyond PARASITE, The Heart & Humor Of South Korean TV Series
Okay, I’ll confess, I haven’t seen the movie PARASITE yet. But, I am among the growing number of viewers eagerly devouring the slew of Asian — mostly, South Korean tv series on Netflix and Amazon Prime. So I wasn’t at all surprised at PARASITE’s major wins at the Oscar this […]
For The Joy of Animals: Bison Cam
There is just something compelling and magical about animals and water.
Asian Pork Kababs With Stirfry Noodles
I remember my years living up north and the wonderful Asian restaurants we had in our area. Missing those dishes, I have been tinkering with recipes and sauces to create some of the tastes I remember. This recipe turned out with the taste I was looking for, especially with the […]
Book Review: AMERICA WAS HARD TO FIND by Kathleen Alcott
How timely was AMERICA WAS HARD TO FIND? It was published on May 14, 2019 and the 50TH anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission was July 20, 1969. One of the main characters is a fictitious NASA astronaut who took the first step on the moon. The other was an […]
For The Joy of Animals: The Coyote And The Badger
We are taught that competing for resources is natures way. That life is about survival of the fittest. That to the victor goes all the spoils. And then we see a playful moment between two predator species — a badger and a coyote. Two of nature’s competitors for prey joining […]
How To Make A Low Carb Quiche
When you are trying to reduce the carbohydrates in your diet, you will still want to keep your menu interesting and good tasting. Eggs are a great breakfast or lunch item when you are low “carbing” but a good way to make them more diverse is to use them in […]