A Fun Encounter With a Stay at Home Dad and Author of Project Adventure

A Fun Encounter With a Stay at Home Dad and Author of Project Adventure

By June on

Taking parenting and writing to the next level is the “Project Adventure” series’ author, David Konrad. David is the author of adventure books for middle-graders and anyone who’s a kid at heart. His books are loved and adored by children worldwide. But how does he manage to juggle these hats and make time to enjoy an active outdoorsy lifestyle with his sons? Let’s find out.

Why did you decide you wanted to write children’s adventure books?

Because these type of books is what made me fall in love with reading and books in the first place. Besides, I started writing when my twin boys were 5 years old, so I hoped they would appreciate the stories and the adventure.

It looks like you draw inspiration from the expeditions you go on with your kids. What has been your favorite adventure together?

Being a stay home dad with twin boys is an adventure on its own. The three of us used to fly a lot together, ever since they were 3 years old, so that always made for some interesting adventures… Also, we always love to take a boat out on the Adriatic Sea to find cool and remote places. 

What are the strengths of each member of the Project Adventure kid-detective agency?

Ethan is a go-getter. He’s very curious, and that, paired with never endless energy, often gets him into trouble.

Matt is a thinker. He’s quiet and doesn’t talk much, but he’s always alert and acts as balance for Ethan,

Lisa is the glue that makes the trio tick. She’s a brilliant organizer, very pragmatic and able. 

Although it sounds like choosing your favorite child, we’d like to know which of the four books from the “Project Adventure” series is your favorite and why?

I would have to say the “Heart of the Island”. It was not just the first book of the series, but also my first book ever! As much as I like my other books, this one will always have a special place in my heart. 

What’s one of the most heartwarming messages you’ve received from your little fans? 

A mother once emailed me to tell me her daughter is completely hooked on my books, and can’t wait for the next one. That was after she’d read books 1 and 2, so safe to say she continued being a fan of mine… J

Growing up, what were some of your favorite books? 

I always loved this book about King Arthur and the knights of the round table, but I’d forgotten who the author was. But I still remember it clearly. And I loved Karl May’s Wild West stories, Winnetou and such.

What is your number 1 parenting tip for adventurous kids?

Pack light, but don’t go anywhere without water, snacks, and band-aids.

Let’s do a quick round of rapid-fire questions. Ready? 

David Konrad

Hikes or Swimming 

Hikes

Games or Movie night

Games

Laundry or Dishes?

Both. I’m a stay home dad, after all.

Coffee or Tea

Coffee during the day, tea in the evening. But coffee, if I have to pick one.

Your favorite board game? 

Risk

The theme of your next project? 

Art

One topic that you can talk about endlessly.

Basketball

An Exclusive Interview With the Author of Our African Unconscious

An Exclusive Interview With the Author of Our African Unconscious

By June on

Our African Unconscious by Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum uncovers all aspects of our human evolution. It sheds light on how the arts, sciences, philosophy, and religious roots originated in Africa. Author Edward Bruce Bynum, Ph.D., ABPP is an award-winning psychologist and former director of the behavioral medicine program at the University of Massachusetts Health Services. If you want to learn more about Dr. Edward and his fascinating work in the field, here’s your chance.

Hi Dr. Edward, how do we all share a common origin? How do we all come from Africa?

I sought to create a modern medically and scientifically sound understanding of our unity as a species that was also a complete vision absolutely undergirded by the great spiritual traditions of both East, West, and Africa. Thus a good deal of anthropology, m medical genetics, ancient history, and the living history of religions. 

Why did you decide to write Our African Unconscious: The Black Origins of Mysticism and Psychology?

It was a natural evolution from an earlier book called DARK LIGHT CONSCIOUSNESS: Melanin, Serpent Power and the Luminous Matrix of Reality. It dealt, as a clinical psychologist, with the effect of this deep hidden bodily and spiritual energy better known in classical literature and practices of meditation and yoga.

What’s the best way to truly appreciate our shared consciousness and identity as a species?

A meditative discipline you are drawn to plus a deep love for another person beyond what you can explain to yourself.

What are your thoughts on the varied different ethnicities that exist? How can we thrive in today’s world?

This is a complex question. However, as a species at war with itself, we have come to the point in our development as a species on this volatile planet of vast changes and rapid changes that we either learn to love each other despite our difference or we die !! It is that simple and uncomfortably true.

Would you say one of the predictions made by George Washington is yet to come?

Yes, 2 of them have already occurred. He predicted the American civil war and a great civil confrontation yet to come involving Africa and the notion that ‘all men are brethren”. Is that not where we are today in the USA?

Could you share one fascinating piece of information that you came across during your research for the book?

Yes. That America’s first war over slavery was not our civil war but about ‘white slavery,’ the war with the Barbary Coast pirates of north Africa that far arose soon after the founding of the republic. They were raiding ships at sea and stealing white women to sell to the harems of the sultans.

How do quantum mechanics, string theory, and relative physics weave into the book?

They are all part of the emerging new paradigm in science that takes us past Einstein.

Could you answer some of these rapid-fire questions for your readers?

Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum

The most peaceful place for you…

On the deck at home on a warm summer afternoon or in my meditation setting in the early morning at home.

A book that made a significant impact on you

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramansa Yogananda and also The Phenomenon of Man by Teilhard De Chardin

Dusk or dawn

Both actually, but perhaps dusk most

Jazz or country music

Jazz but I also like  classic country music by the greats like John Denver

Podcasts or documentaries

Documentaries

What’s your next project?

I am also a published poet with an equal number of texts in psychology/psychiatry as in poetry: I am finishing up a long poem that is 7,777 words in length titled “If I Trusted Poetry Completely”

Tell us one thing about yourself that we likely don’t know

I was an altar boy as a child.

Benefits of Cooking with Avocado Oil Spray

Benefits of Cooking with Avocado Oil Spray

By admin on

When you plan a recipe, you may not pay a lot of attention to the cooking spray you use. But studies have shown that many of these products contain ingredients that can be harmful to health.

For example, dimethylpolysiloxane, which reduces the formation of foam in the product has been shown to cause health conditions when consumed excessively. Isobutane, which helps the product maintain a balance between liquid and vapor, has been identified as carcinogenic.

So, what can you do to ensure your meals are as healthy as possible? An avocado oil spray will help.

Avocado oil has been shown to have many health benefits making it a good for you cooking spray that adds nutritional value to a  meal. Here are some ways it can boost wellness.

Rich in Oleic Acid

Avocado oil consists of almost 70% oleic acid, a healthy fat that is high in omega-6 and omega-3, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and dementia.

Improves Heart Health

Research shows that people given foods that were made with avocado oils had lower levels of triglycerides, inflammatory cytokines and bad cholesterol as compared to those given meals with butter. One animal study showed that the oil has similar effects to losartan, a popular blood pressure medication. Therefore, it is an essential part of a heart healthy diet.

High in Lutein

Avocado oil has been shown to be high in lutein, an antioxidant and carotenoid that’s beneficial to eye health. Foods that are high in lutein can reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Since lutein is not found in the body, it’s important to get it from dietary sources.

Increases the Absorption of Essential Nutrients

Some nutrients are not as bioavailable as others. They need to be accompanied by fats for ultimate absorption. Avocado is high in healthy fats and can aid with the absorption of nutrients like lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and more.

May Reduce Arthritis Symptoms

Numerous studies have shown that avocado and soybean oil extracts can reduce arthritis pain. They may be most beneficial to those that have hip and knee osteoarthritis.

What Avocado Oil Sprays are Recommended

Avocado oil is a recommended cooking spray ingredient, but it can also be beneficial when used in other applications. For example, it can be applied to the skin to encourage a healthy and radiant glow. If you are thinking of using it in your beauty routine, Now Foods’ Moisturizing Avocado Oil is recommended.

NOW Foods has been around since the 1940’s and has established itself as a natural food and self-care product company you can trust. Its Moisturizing Avocado Oil is nutrient-rich and formulated to keep skin supple. It’s non-greasy, USDA organic, non-GMO, and it has not been tested on animals.

Avocado oil is beneficial in so many ways. It’s a terrific cooking ingredient and it has age-defying effects when incorporated in a skincare routine. How will you be using it to boost your health and wellness?

Health Benefits of Dietary Supplements

Health Benefits of Dietary Supplements

By Article Editor on

Health Benefits of Dietary Supplements

They know that their body needs the right nutrients to be healthy, but where can they find them? Dietary supplements are a great way to get all of the vitamins and minerals they need. They may not realize it, but these substances are more important than food.

The following article will discuss how dietary supplements can help improve their health, according to Dr. Jordan Sudberg. He will talk about what they are, why they’re so important, and some specific benefits of taking them regularly. It might surprise them just how much impact this one little change can have on their life.

Dr. Sudberg suggests these health benefits for Dietary Supplements:

1. Dietary Supplements are healthier than regular food.

People want to eat healthily, but it can be hard—especially when they have picky eaters in the house. Even worse, sometimes people don’t know how to cook healthy foods themselves. That’s why dietary supplements are so important. They provide all the vitamins and nutrients that people need in an easy-to-take pill form. No cooking required.

2. Vitamins might help them feel better faster.

When someone is sick, they probably think that taking a vitamin will do nothing. However, in some cases, that might not be true at all. Some research has found that vitamin C can make colds shorter and less severe when taken regularly (1). Plus, it can’t hurt to take vitamins when they’re feeling sick because they probably won’t feel any worse, and they might feel a little better.

3. They can help improve their mood.

According to Dr. Sudberg, it’s no secret that dietary supplements can positively impact someone’s mood. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are known for helping to improve moods (2). This is because they help increase the amount of good cholesterol in the body while also decreasing the bad cholesterol. As a result, people feel better both physically and emotionally.

4. Dietary Supplements might help them live longer.

Not only do dietary supplements make people feel better, but they might also help them live longer. For instance, some research has found that vitamin E might help decrease the risk of heart disease. This is just one example, but it goes to show that dietary supplements can be beneficial in a lot of ways.

5. Support mental and sports-related performance.

It is no secret that dietary supplements offer a bevy of health benefits. There are countless reasons to take them regularly, from decreasing the risk for heart disease to supporting mental and sports-related performance. They might just be one of the most important things someone can do for their health.

6. Provide immune system support.

Another excellent reason to take dietary supplements regularly is that they offer immune system support. This means that they can help keep a person healthy by fighting viruses and bacteria. Plus, they can help speed up the healing process when someone does get sick.
So, there they have it: some of the many health benefits of taking dietary supplements. Dr. Jordan Sudberg recommends that everyone take them every day for the best results. Make sure to talk to their doctor before starting any new supplement and read the label carefully to make sure that they are not allergic to any of the ingredients. With just a little effort, they can significantly improve their health and well-being.

Options You Have When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart

Options You Have When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart

By Article Editor on

Marriages can be a challenge that can be very healthy for decades then hit a rough patch then end in divorce. People grow apart if the only aspect they share in their relationship is their children. This happens a number of times where kids are out of the house and a couple has nothing else in common. People truly change over the course of time so staying close truly matters. Marriage has changed immensely over the last few decades which has empowered all parties. The following are options that you have when your marriage is falling apart. 

Counseling

Marriage counseling can be important for couples that don’t understand how to communicate in a healthy manner. Some people model their behavior after their parents which can be very toxic. Not all parents have a relationship that is worth modeling after. This can be extremely expensive but divorces are going to be far more expensive when dividing property. A relationship worth saving should be attempted although sometimes things are not meant to last well into the future. 

Immediate Divorce

There are some circumstances where an immediate divorce is essential. There could be a hidden family or another number of secrets. People could have secrets that could completely change the way you view them and end the relationship in your mind immediately. You should always consult legal representation in the case of a divorce as some people try to take it out on their partner one last time. 

Cohabitating Until The Divorce Is Finalized

There is a chance that neither of you is going to be able to move out until money is given out. Finances could be frozen due to the fact one or both parties are going to try to drain joint accounts. A divorce lawyer consultation is going to be imperative so you know the next steps going forward. This needs to be done peacefully and putting up cameras can be important. A false accusation could be used as leverage in order to get property a spouse wouldn’t have after the divorce. This happens more than you would imagine as false accusations of abuse or threats are something that happens daily. You might not think your ex will stoop to these levels but it is more than possible so it is important to protect yourself.  

Taking A New Job Opportunity In A New City

Leaving the city that you live in after a divorce can be a completely new start. The last thing you want to do in some cases is to run into mutual friends and talk about the divorce. A new location can allow an individual to reinvent themselves over the course of time. The best revenge is a life that your ex is jealous of which is something you can attain with a new job in a new and improved city. You won’t be the person at work that just went through a divorce but rather the employee that made a move to an exciting new city. 

How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher

How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher

By Chris Turn on

Some materials can be disposed of easily. Others, however, require more specific waste management procedures to ensure they’re disposed of safely. This can include materials that are toxic (or that contained toxic materials), pressurized, or can otherwise harm the environment.

When a fire extinguisher is empty, it needs to be disposed of properly. When doing this, make sure you dispose of the fire extinguisher in the proper way by following these steps:

1. Disconnect The Hose From The Fire Extinguisher

After you have emptied your fire extinguisher, there should be a hose attached to the top of the cylinder that holds pressure for use. This hose is connected to another hose on the side that helps keep pressure inside the container when engaged. Be sure to disconnect both hoses from their respective connectors after removing any caps or locks securing them into place, and set them aside for disposal. You can dispose of these hoses with regular waste management procedures since they are non-hazardous materials (unless there is still pressurized gas in the extinguisher, in which case you should dispose of them as hazardous waste).

2. Remove The Discharge Nozzle

The discharge nozzle is the small, pointed end of the fire extinguisher that was used to expel the pressurized gas and extinguish flames. Carefully remove it from the top of the container by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. There is usually a seal around the nozzle that will come off with it, so be careful not to lose it. The discharge nozzle can be discarded normally.

3. Release Any Remaining Pressure In The Cylinder

Before disposing of your fire extinguisher, release any remaining pressure inside the cylinder. Do this by firmly pressing and holding the push-button on the top valve for two minutes. This will relieve all pressure inside of the cylinder, allowing it to be disposed of easily without any additional steps.

4. Dispose Of The Fire Extinguisher

Once your fire extinguisher has been drained of all pressure, you are ready to dispose of it. There are hazardous waste disposal procedures in place if there is still pressurized gas left in the container, so do not dispose of it with regular garbage pickup. If there was no residual pressure or anything hazardous inside, dispose of it through regular waste management procedures according to local laws and regulations.

Keeping your community safe is everyone’s responsibility, and properly disposing of a fire extinguisher is one way to do your part. Be sure to follow the steps above when your extinguisher is emptied so that you dispose of it in the safest way possible. For more information on waste management and how to dispose of hazardous materials, contact your local waste management department or visit their website.

Healthy Eating Habits

Healthy Eating Habits

By Article Editor on

How to keep the body healthy in an intelligent way

There are many reasons that people need to understand healthy eating, but some of the more important knowledge of this has come from those in sports. Doctors like Jordan Sudberg have seen how eating correlates with how a body deals with injuries and pain when someone is hurt as an athlete. Developing healthy eating habits requires people knowing what their body needs and not which trendy diet is popular. Some people think because they are younger that they can eat anything, but the habits need to start early and be maintained. Here are some ideas of how to be better.

Cheat Days

One of the ways that many healthy people are able to cope with maintaining their diet is by having cheat days. Almost everyone has a food or more than one that they love that everyone knows is unhealthy. As many top athletes have shown, a person can have a cheat day when they splurge on these foods and still remain healthy. It is a reward for being healthy and is made easier if the person doing this works out to help their body. While there are healthy alternatives a person can eat through the week, treats help cravings.

Fad Diets

There are many fad diets that come and go that people have a tendency of thinking will help them with their body. Many times they do not have the nutrients that the body needs and will end up leaving people far less healthy than when they started. A steady path of healthy eating takes away the need from diets and allows people to live a full life with fewer concerns. Healthy habits are a daily thing, not a quick way to lose a little weight that could come back after it is done. Stay steady and never worry.

Needed Nutrients

The body requires certain nutrients for it to remain healthy, and a person needs to remember this when they eat. Many people forget about this when they switch to only eating certain foods. Anyone who wants to be healthy needs to remember that they need to have the right nutrients for their body when they are needing to heal, deal with pain, or just live life. When developing a sound lifestyle, see if there are any nutrients missing and make sure to start including food that provides it. Being healthy means being intelligent when planning every meal.
There are many doctors, such as Jordan Sudberg, that can back up every aspect of what was said here. A healthy life requires a person to know what is required to not worry that they may be missing something. The right amount of fluids will keep the body hydrated and keep the skin healthy. Potassium is necessary to keep a person from having joint issues, and that is provided in several foods. All of these needs to be known and maintained for a life that is full and active. Doctors can help shape what a person is doing for health.

Building Customer Loyalty

Building Customer Loyalty

By Article Editor on

Building Customer Loyalty

Building customer loyalty is a challenge for many businesses. It can be hard to get customers to come back for more, and it is even harder to make them feel like they belong when there are so many other options. But according to Alexander Djerassi, the key is in creating an atmosphere that makes people want to come back again and again. This blog post explains how one can create customer loyalty in business, according to insights by Djerassi.

Djerassi explains that businesses need to create a sense of community to keep customers coming back. This can be done by fostering a sense of belonging, providing opportunities for customers to connect, and being open to feedback. When customers feel like they’re part of a community, they’re more likely to stick around and recommend the business to others.

It is important to be receptive to feedback, even if the customer isn’t necessarily correct. Doing this will still make them feel like they’re being heard and can help resolve future issues. Additionally, businesses should encourage customers to connect. This can be done by providing a space for them to do so or by highlighting customer interactions on social media. When customers feel like they’re part of a community, they’re more likely to stay loyal to the business.

Alexander Djerassi also emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where people feel welcome. This could include hosting events at the business or offering some incentive for people to come back more than once. There are many ways businesses can foster a sense of community and connect with customers, so it’s important to try out different strategies and see what works best.

Customer loyalty is enhanced by appreciating them and communicating with them. Djerassi is onto something here, and it’s worth exploring how your business might be able to create a community around itself and keep customers coming back for more. Customers love feeling appreciated, and they love feeling like they belong. When businesses can create an atmosphere that makes people feel good, they’re more likely to stay loyal to that business for the long haul.

Having promotions and offers attracts and retains more customers. It is always good to have some strategies on how you can create customer loyalty. Promotions and offers are a great way of creating customer loyalty among your customers. Using these strategies is an excellent way to get more people into your business. Businesses should always come up with new ways to create customer loyalty, and having promotions and offers is one of the easiest things they can do. It’s also one of the most effective strategies for bringing in more customers, so it’s worth exploring if you want your business to continue growing.

People who work at a company are the most important assets to building loyalty. Many businesses keep this in mind when hiring their employees. To create an atmosphere where employees want to stay, employers should incentivize them with competitive salaries and paid time off.

Customers are retained through a sense of belonging, community, and a welcoming atmosphere. Businesses that can do this will be more successful in the long term.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Balancing Work and Family Life

By Article Editor on

Balancing Work and Family Life

Many working parents struggle every day and wonder how they manage their household, take care of their kids, and work. It seems like they have to please everyone. Father George Rutler stresses the importance of balancing work and family life. What do people do? How is the person expected to handle everything? These questions will be answered in this context.

Switch to a More Flexible Option

Switching to part-time work will allow more family time. For a family that cannot afford a drop in income, then they need to talk to their boss about switching their schedule to a more flexible one. For example, working from home would be a change in pace. People won’t miss out on family parties or any upcoming events starring their children.

Commit to More Family Events

Mark upcoming family events on the calendar. This way people know the dates they need off, and they can let their boss know. It’s important to have that time with family even if it’s doing things they don’t want to do. Committing to birthday parties, family reunions, or special occasion dinners will allow people to separate business from pleasure. Most employers will allow their employees to have that time off as long as they know well in advance.

Do Not Bring Work Everywhere You Go

Do not bring work to family gatherings or other events. People need to learn to put it away and go back to it later. They need to do whatever work they can before they have family obligations. People need to be sure they have time for themselves too and take a breather now and then. For the people that work outside the home, they shouldn’t bring their work home with them. Work should stay in the office.

Just Say No

Some people say yes to everything they’re asked to do, which means they don’t have time to finish their work. If they work from home, they may think it’s easy to say yes and go back to working later. If that happens, things never get accomplished and work gets pushed back. When that happens, people can get overwhelmed and stressed.

Quit Working Altogether

Many people find that quitting their jobs would make things easier because they can spend more time with their families. If the other parent in the household is working full time, then it can be done. People would have to cut back on their spending. It doesn’t have to be permanent; be a stay-at-home parent for a few years and see where it goes. If it doesn’t go over very well, then look for a new job with flexible hours.
Father George Rutler would suggest all working families follow these guidelines because living in a healthy environment is important. Working all the time leaves families feeling as though they are not important, and it becomes a stressful place instead of a happy place. These guidelines will help families learn to separate the two so they can live in a stress-free environment.

Types of Energy Drinks Best for Driving

Types of Energy Drinks Best for Driving

By Jason Geradi on

Driving can be monotonous and a bit boring at times, so it helps to have something to keep you awake and alert. Many people turn to caffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea, and millions of Americans head for the energy drink aisle. Energy drinks are convenient and often contain more caffeine than even the strongest cup of coffee, so they’re ideal for a grab-and-go boost.

In addition to caffeine, energy drinks often contain sugar that works in your body to produce insulin, which causes your blood to flow faster throughout your body. This is what people refer to as a sugar rush. You feel a burst of energy, but will crash after the rush wears off. Be sure to check your daily recommended amounts of both caffeine and sugar before you consume any energy drink.

After effects of consuming too much caffeine and sugar can be a rapid heartbeat, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, jitters, and dehydration. All of these effects can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’re operating a motor vehicle while you’re tired because they may inadvertently lead to car accidents. Most people shouldn’t consume more than 400mg of caffeine in a 24 hour period, according to the FDA.

Reign Total Body Fuel

A relatively new energy drink on the market, Reign Energy Drink is produced by the well-known Monster Beverage Corporation. One full can has a high dose of 300mg of caffeine and it’s sugar-free with no artificial colors or flavors. Although the many flavors such as Orange Dreamsicle and Carnival Candy contain electrolytes, the high amount of caffeine could be dehydrating. 

C4 Energy Drink

This one has been around since 2006, so it’s already a favorite among consumers. C4 Energy Drink comes in seven flavors including Electric Sour and Peach Mango Nectar, and has about 135mg of caffeine per can. This energy drink comes in both sugar-free and sugar added versions and is a good choice if you don’t want to be over-caffeinated while driving.

5-Hour Energy

Coming in at just under 2 fl.oz, this tiny energy drink packs a huge punch with 200 mg of caffeine per serving. 5-Hour Energy is sugar-free and has only 4 calories per bottle, with zero carbs, which makes it a great choice if you’re not trying to fill up on empty calories or sugar. It comes in 17 flavor shots including Tropical Burst and Strawberry Watermelon, but don’t let its sweet flavor and size fool you. It packs a caffeine punch.

Red Bull

This is the brand that everyone thinks about when someone says “energy drink”. That’s because it is the first mass produced and advertised energy drink, the original, and is the highest-selling in the entire world. Red Bull comes in different sizes with varying degrees of caffeine, ranging from 77.4mg to 147.6mg of caffeine per can, with flavors including Sugar-Free Tangerine and Cranberry.

Bang Energy Drink

This one is the third best-selling energy drink, boasting a whopping 300mg of caffeine per can. It comes in 24 flavors including Birthday Cake Bash and Root Beer, and for those that love the flavor but don’t want the energy boost there are caffeine-free flavors including Sour Heads and Cotton Candy. Although Bang Energy Drinks are advertised as sugar-free, the high amount of caffeine can make you jittery if you have a low tolerance.