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Monday, March 23, 2020

How to Open Fire TV Remote Reviewed

Cutting the cord from cable can be a challenge. I never thought one of the biggest challenges would be the remote control and batteries! The Amazon Fire TV stick is my main tool to stream television - but one must first insert the batteries into the remote. I was surprised, frustrated and a wee bit befuddled as to why a task so easy can be so hard.

The version of the Fire Stick I was installing on multiple televisions had a remote control case that I absolutely could not open. No open = no batteries= no fire stick! Frustrating. When it became evident I was close to using a tool to pry the case open, not recommended and not wise, I headed to the internet and a quick search revealed that I was not the only one with issues.

The problem with sliding the remote open to insert the batteries is smoothness of the remote. The directions give a nice tutorial on how to open the two piece remote by sliding the remote apart. Except I and judging from the amount of results on the internet search and many others had issues.

I found this DIY tutorial and problem solved. Using gloves or tape works in a flash to provide the grip needed to open the remote so it easily slides apart to insert the batteries. Sometimes nothing is easy in the quest to cut the cable!

My Favorite Free Services To Cut The Cord

One of the main reasons to cut the cord is cost. My cable-internet bill decreased by over 100 percent by eliminating the cable tv charges. So much of the monthly bill was fees, franchise fees and more fees combined with what seemed a zillion channels I do not watch (and that was the basic cable package!)

I found a wealth of free services to stream entertainment through membership at my local library. The online offerings from your library should be your first stop for free entertainment with the caveat your library must first belong to the services to pass along the membership to you.

Most of the free services do have a monthly limit of downloads; but I have found the limit to be very reasonable. The limit does differ per library.

Kanopy For Indie Films

Hoopla For TV Shows & Movies

Freegal For Music

Freegal

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Sunday, March 22, 2020

15 Additional Distracting and Calming Things to Do During Quarantine

15 Distracting Things to Do During Quarantine

Last week I wrote about ten calming and distracting things you can do during these crazy quarantine times.

This week I'll add another 15 suggestions for you.

1. 5000 Piece Puzzles

Ok, maybe just 1000 pieces will do. Family members of mine have tackled this one already.

2. Read the Hilarious Twitter Hashtag #QuarantineLife

The top tweets will crack you up. My mom and I were in stitches reading them!

3. Crossword Puzzles

Do you love to do crossword puzzles? If so, get out the book.

4. Redecorate a Room

That may involve trips to the store, so you may be restricted on what you can actually do. But hey, if you can even tackle one or two aspects of a redecorating project, good for you! Here's a brief helpful video on how to mix patterns in home decor:

5. Reorganize Your Cupboards and Closets

To some people, this is therapy, to others torture. Either way, get it done! If you've been putting off dealing with the disaster behind your closet door, now is a good time to get 'er done.

6. Learn a New Language

There are several common APPs you can use to learn a new language. Here are a few you can check out: Babbel, DuoLingo, and MemRise.

7. Learn to Play Piano Via an App

Yes, there's an APP for that. Here are two Apple Apps you can check out - Flowkey and Note Quest.

8. Assemble All Those Poems You've Written, And Self-Publish Your Book

Do you have a box of personally written poems that need a permanent place? How about writing that poetry book you've always wanted to write. I crossed that one off my bucket list last year and self-published my first book. I've since published five more and am working on my sixth. Here are some things I've learned along the way that may help you get started.

9. Crafts - DIY Crafting

I know, this is obvious. Knit, sew, or crochet those virus blobs. If you have friends who also enjoy crafts, turn it into a game. Tackle the same project and whoever finishes first gets a prize - maybe a book.

10. Learn Calligraphy

Family members of mine did this one the other day. You can get multiple tutorials on YouTube.

11. Coloring Books are Fun, Even for Adults

This is one I plan to do to relax. Coloring can be utterly satisfying. Color with the kids or you can always buy grown-up coloring books online.

12. Turn Your Life Into a Reality Show

If you're bold, go for it. Vlog your life and upload your daily routine to your social media audience. If you don't have an audience, you could end up with one fast lol - be careful!

13. Take Cooking Lessons Online

Head over to Youtube and start watching all those addictive cooking videos! Have you always wanted to learn French Cooking? Now's your chance.

14. Assemble and Sort All Your Photos on Your Laptop & Phone

Sort all your photos and store them on a USB or in the cloud. Or create a family wall of photos - finally frame and display all those family favorites.

15. Handwrite Letters to Your Family

Handwrite a letter. Don't type it. Handwrite it and mail it to mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or the kids. Include the kid's drawings or photos as well. Yes, you can do this online, but there's something very special about getting something like this in the mail.

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Saturday, March 21, 2020

Reviewing Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders Mini-Series

Agatha Christie Mini Series - The ABC Murders

Yes, that's a grown up Ron Weasley
playing a Scotland Yard dectective

I have to put my hand up and say I'm an Agatha Christie fan from decades back and one of the books that I liked was the ABC Murders, I loved the twist in this novel.

Adapting a book to a mini-series always presents challenges in keeping true to the author for their fans while also ensuring it works well for today's audiences. I feel that when they adapted And Then There Were None they really captured that well. In this case I feel conflicted.

As I said I enjoyed this book immensely, but having finished the three part mini-series I'm not sure if I liked it or not! I was intrigued with the casting of John Malkovich in the role of Hercule Poirot and I think he makes a surprisingly refreshing change to David Suchet or Peter Ustinov.

The problem for me was that key elements of the story was changed, one of the key players wasn't in the mini-series and two of the other players had totally different roles, in fact I was very surprised by a certain death that occurred.

While watching it the thing that I really didn't find added anything to the mini-series was flashbacks that Poirot was having to his time before arriving in the UK and at the end you see what role he supposedly had before leaving Belgium which is completely at odds with the character Dame Christie created.

If I wasn't as familiar with Hercule Poirot I might not have minded the liberties taken and it may have added something, but I'm not sure. It has left me feeling very conflicted about whether or not to recommend this series.

When it comes to one of the main characters lodgings in London, the series certainly makes them a lot seedier than my imagination created in my mind as I read the book.

I was grateful that they didn't change who the killer was because at one point I thought they were going to make it a different person which would've been insane (in my opinion). I did like the reveal after the murderer was revealed. Instead of the almost iconic Poirot gathering of the characters for his big reveal they went with the power of television to give flashbacks of key scenes.

Do I recommend this series? I really am conflicted so I will just say if you are an Agatha Christie purist absolutely not. If you haven't read the book then I think you might enjoy this. I would be intrigued to know your thoughts if you do decide to check this miniseries out.

If you've not heard of the ABC Murders before then it basically starts with Hercule Poirot getting letters from someone who signs himself ABC ..... and then the murders begin.

The first is Alice Asher in Andover, the second is Betty Barnard in Bexhill, you get the idea. Next to each murder victim a copy of London's ABC (the famous railway guide) is left opened at the appropriate letter. Each destination is one that has a connection with Poirot and the letters are addressed to him almost taunting him to participate in the murderer's 'game'.

The story is set in 1930s London and the backdrop shows the rising fascist movement and anti-immigrants movement which adds to the bleakness that accompanies Poirot's traumatic flashbacks.

Click here to get the ABC Murders on Prime Video

Now I watched this on the ABC channel in Australia (which I thought was kind of ironic!), but I could've watched it on Amazon Prime. I do love Amazon Prime and have enjoyed watching shows such as Jack Ryan and Good Omens on there.

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Thursday, March 19, 2020

Make Your Own Public Restroom Survival Kit Reviewed

Protect Yourself in Public Restrooms!

My husband and I enjoy making day trips as well as traveling. What I hate most about traveling whether for a day, or even a week, is the necessity to use public restrooms.

By now, we have all heard that you should use a paper towel to open the bathroom doors since so many people do not wash their hands before touching the door knobs. As if that is not enough to make you cringe, I was recently told that drug addicts will clean their needles by poking them in the toilet paper in the restroom stall. This takes things to a whole new level of contamination concern.

To be fair, I did check Snopes to determine if needle cleaning in public restrooms is a valid concern and found that none of the health services questioned had ever heard of that happening. Still, it made me hesitate to trust the provided toilet paper in public restrooms.

For me and my family, I have decided better safe than sorry. After all, we know there are germs in any restroom. With the flu, a multitude of viruses, and the concern for cleanliness, why take the risk if not absolutely necessary?

Some might consider this an extreme and unnecessary precaution. Perhaps it is. But, like any other precautionary measure, if it gives you peace of mind, why not. You are certainly not hurting anyone else by carrying your own public restroom survival kit.

Items Needed for Your Public Restroom Survival Kit

Make Your Own Public Restroom Survival Kit

I assemble my own public restroom survival kit. I include individually wrapped toilet seat covers, my own toilet paper in a sandwich bag, flushable single pack wet wipes, camp soap sheets, and a few of my own paper towels.

I carry two different types of toilet seat covers. One is the typical paper cover that you see in many public restrooms. The other is a plastic toilet seat cover. The plastic seat cover is not flushable, but I find it required in some public rest stops. Even though it is made to encase the seat cover, I simply lay it on the seat. If I won't sit on it, I certainly will not lift that seat to "gift wrap" it.

You all can stop laughing now! No, I am not a germaphobe, but over the years I have truly seen some pretty nasty things in public restrooms. I won't go into the graphic details and descriptions. Suffice it to say, I've seen enough to know I believe in the proverbial "ounce of prevention". In this case, I would alter that saying slightly to state an ounce of protection.

If you think I am alone in this concern, allow me to point out that Amazon.com even offers a pre-assembled public toilet kit.

Public Toilet and Restroom Survival Kit, Toiletry Bag for Germ Protection, Flushable Wipes and Toilet Seat Covers, Compressed Towels

In a pinch, I would totally invest in that "go bag"! Because I have time to prepare my own survival kits packed with my preferred supplies, I don't mind putting them together myself.

If you plan on traveling by plane, you may prefer a clear bag for supplies in your carry-on. There are no liquids in my public restroom survival kit, but a clear bag might keep baggage inspectors from opening it and touching everything. Hand sanitizer would need to go in your clear liquid carry-on bag. If you are traveling by car, you can choose any tote bag.

I prefer a tote bag that will clip to my jeans belt loops or my camera backpack loops. This is a nice inexpensive trio that I found. I only need the medium sized bag in this set for my restroom survival kit, but I can always find different uses for the other two.

50PCS Travel Disposable Toilet Seat CoversCheck Price Charmin Ultra Soft Cushiony Touch Toilet PaperCheck Price Simpleaf Flushable Single Pack Wet Wipes | Eco- FriendlyCheck Price Coleman Camp Soap Sheets, Travel Soap Sheets - 50 countCheck Price

How Do I Know I Am Not a Complete Germaphobe?

A real germaphobe would recommend two more items! After all, the dirtiest places in a public restroom are the floors, the toilet handle, and the faucet.

Eek! Perhaps I should rethink this! After all, I do wear my shoes in the car and in my home! And, those gloves and shoe covers are disposable.

Dealmed Medical Exam Gloves – 200 Count Small Nitrile Gloves, Disposable GlovesCheck Price Blue Shoe Guys Professional Grade Disposable Boot & Shoe Covers BootiesCheck Price

And if you really want to do things right, be sure to include your Poo-Pourri! It was previously reviewed by Dawn Rae and would make a fabulous addition to your public restroom survival kit.

When you are out and about, be sure to be prepared, stay safe, and "rest" protected in those public restrooms!

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

A Time to Grow, Now is the Time! A Garden Review!

If there ever was a time to look forward, it is now.

Don't be stuck with the majority looking for doom and gloom, there is life out there and we gardeners mean to have it to the full extent we can.

To that end, I am offering you some "jobs" that need to be done before the growing part can start!

My Spring To Do List!

Clean out the pots! Seedlings for this year are coming up.
Trim Bushes
Check Foundation Beds
Select the flowers and vegetables that I want to grow this year.
Make sure I have all the necessities (to avoid frustration)
Plant, Mark and Place in the Sun
Watch patiently as Mother Nature does her magic!

This is Just the Beginning, Now Let's Get Started!

1. Cleaning out last years pots is necessary. You don't want to carry over any diseases or bugs from last year into this year. So empty the pots of their ground, but don't throw it away! Place it into your compost bins! The heat generated in the composting will kill off any bugs or disease so don't worry.

When the pots have been emptied, take them into the shed, or garage or whatever work space you have and sanitize them as well. A Bucket of warm water with bleach and a good scrub brush are all that's needed. Mix your solution approximately 9 parts water to 1 part bleach and soak your pots for at least 10 minutes. The warm water will soften the mineral deposits and dirt from the pots for easier scrubbing. Use a stiff brush or a pot scrubber to remove any deposits on the pots . If there is still some residue, you can soak your pots in dish detergent to remove any other debris. Let your pots air dry before refilling them with new soil. If you like you can watch this video on cleaning pots it's only 3 minutes long (How to Clean Pots)

While your pots are air drying, get outside and check out how the garden fared through the winter months. It's a good time to pull back any debris that you did not remove in the fall.(See #3) Now BEWARE, you should check your own climate to make sure that no further hard frosts will happen. Be ready to cover young growth in case of really cold nights that might still happen.

2. Before the weather gets really warm, you can trim some of your flowering bushes! Again, be knowledgeable you don't want to trim those bushes that will flower early in the spring, especially lilacs and forsythias. If you trim these in the spring, you will likely lose all the flowers for that year. A rule of thumb to follow for good results is this: If it flowers in early spring (lilacs, forsythia, azaleas and such) do not prune until after they have flowered for this year. If the bushes flower later in the year, early spring is a good time to trim and resize. These bushes will have plenty of time to set buds for this coming 2020 season. The Farmer's Almanac is a good guide just click on the link: When to Prune Shrubs

3. Your pots are drying and you are doing a foundation check. It's a great time to look at the flower beds, see what is sprouting already and gently pulling back on the ground cover (leaves) that you put there in the fall. Look for bees that are coming out of dormancy and leave them some mulch to use as blankets at night when it's still cool.

4. When you have done all this cleaning and spotting what's new in the garden, you just might need a little rest. All work and no fun is not a good way to garden. The Fun comes from checking out all the seed catalogs for new and exciting plants you want to try to grow for this year.

There are numerous garden centers that offer seeds and you should check out your local growers/suppliers for their catalog. If you don't have any local suppliers, you can try Veseys, Dominion Seed House and many, many more. The Spruce offers 60 free seed catalogs where you can either get a hard copy catalog or view it online.

5. What are the necessities? Well, you are going to need fresh garden or potting soil. If you are doing seeds, then a good seeding mix would be a good idea. You have your clean pots and hopefully you have some old saucers or containers to use for catch trays (please make sure these are clean as well)

You need the seeds, so hopefully you have had some time to check out what's new for the gardens this year. Or maybe you have kept seeds from last years harvest. Good for you!

Clean tools are also needed. You don't want to spoil all the hard work you have done, by plunging a dirty trowel into your newly cleaned pots.

6. Plant markers, unless you are a master gardener and can spot a bean sprout from a pepper sprout, then marking your seedlings is a must. Maybe you are trying a new variety and want to log it's growth and more, then plant markers are a must! Even for flowers, I find that I can't rely on my memory to tell me what I planted in which pot. (Brain Fog comes to me naturally, so I rely on my markers) These can be home made by cutting up white plastic and using a waterproof marker to label the pots. If you are creative there are many other ways to make some really nice markers. I've included a video here! Making Garden Markers

7. Now you can sit back and relax, watch a video or two, and dream. Hopefully there are some nice sunny days coming your way. Find a nice little sheltered spot where the sun shines and just sit back and let your body get it's quota of Vitamin D.

Now it's time to order whatever it is you still need to get those seedlings started. New soil is the Number 1 item that should be on your list and if you are a Prime Member, you will get it tomorrow.....

This is my favorite potting medium and I get free shipping with my Prime Membership. Miracle Gro has been around for years and it has a 5 star rating, do I know it's a good choice. I still don't like having to lug these bags of soil around, so shopping online is the way I get mine. It comes to my door and that makes me very happy. My garden this year will be off to a great start. Join me!

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

DIY Hand Sanitizer Reviewed

Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

Chances are you can't find hand sanitizer on your local shelves. Let me review how to make your own to use when soap and water aren't available to you. It is much easier than you might think!

DIY Hand Sanitizer
image courtesy of pixabay.com

We are all in the same boat with the flu & various viruses that terrorize the world. The importance of keeping our hands clean and the surfaces around us goes without saying. When it comes to being able to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with us on those occasions that we have to go out for supplies is pretty much impossible. The hoarders and the opportunists have cleared the shelves across the nation. Not to worry, you can actually make your own.

What You Will Need:

1 empty hand soap or sanitizer dispenser
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) 99% alcohol volume
Aloe Vera Gel
Essential Oil or lemon juice to make it smell nice (optional)
Large measuring cup with spout to mix and pour from

Hand Sanitizer Recipe:

3/4 cup isopropyl (rubbing alcohol)

1/4 cup aloe vera gel

10 drops of essential oil or lemon juice

Pour all of the ingredients into a large bowl or a measuring cup with a spout. Mix together with a spoon first and then whisk the solution to form a gel. Pour the mixture into an empty bottle for easy use and transport and then label it with the words "Hand Sanitizer".

That's it, it is that easy. Just a reminder that it is still better to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use the sanitizer when you are out and can't wash your hands. I like to place a dab on a tissue to wipe off the handle of the grocery cart before I place my own hands on it.

Not sure how long the 20 seconds is? Sing the Birthday song through two times while washing your hands. Remember to pay attention to the tips of your fingers and between your fingers.

Stay safe, follow the guidelines and we will all get through this together as a nation.

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Monday, March 16, 2020

Book Review: Chesapeake by James Michener

Until now, I had never read Michener. For some reason I had the pre-conceived notion that his stories would be long and boring. I am happy to announce that I was wrong. While Chesapeake by James Michener is indeed a long novel, it is far from boring. It is a captivating account of the families who settled the colonies and waterways of the eastern United States. And their ancestors in the Delmarva region over the next 400 years.

Reviewing Chesapeake by James Michener

I was in the mood for a story that highlighted life in the outdoors. As I searched my local library's digital selections I chose Chesapeake with the thought that if I find it to be over-rated, under--whelming, and difficult to read, at least it was free. I was surprised that I was immediately hooked with the first character.

This story begins in 1583. Pentaquod, of the Susquehannock tribe, is a widower who has voiced an opinion against the plans of the tribal council. As a result, the family of his new love interest has refused to allow her to marry him. He is looked upon with suspicion by the members of his village. Pentaquod does not want to war with the northern tribe and he wants to continue to live in peace. Because he disagrees with the tribal council, he is increasingly an outcast. He flees the village for parts unknown downriver.

"It was toward morning of the third night, when he had had only two small fish to eat in three days, that he came to those falls which his people called Conowingo, and here he faced the test which would determine the success of his escape. When he approached the white and leaping water he intended to drag his canoe ashore and portage it a long distance downhill, but as he paddled away from the middle of the river to the safety of shore.... "

Pentaquod's journey south by canoe from the Susquehanna River to Chesapeake Bay were stories that seemed familiar. The water and wildlife descriptions are similar to what can be experienced by those of us who sit along the banks or kayak these waters.

Pentaquod had never traveled as far as the open water of the bay. He chose an island on the eastern shore for his new home. There he is introduced to Blue Heron's, crabs, and the natural rhythms of life on the water. Later, he joins a part of the local tribe (later named the Choptank) and lives a long, mostly peaceful life living on the rivers and in the marshes of that area. Michener's descriptions of the flora and fauna make me feel as though I am sitting there, on the banks of the Choptank river.

In 1606, Captain John Smith brings ships and crews to the New World with a plan to "conquer Virginia". He also brings Edmund Steed. The Steed family is one of the families we follow over the centuries.

In Chesapeake, the focus is on a 400 year saga of these families who settled the area. Each of the families intertwine with the others over the years. While the characters, and an island on which one of the main families settle, are fictional the issues are historical. We are reminded how the people in the first colony barely survives. We are reminded that many of the first settlers are fleeing religious persecution and how that continues in the New World. As time goes on, "letter brides", indentured servants, and slaves join the growing population. Public whippings - including that of a Quaker woman - are the norm of the day. I was reminded that settling this country was no easy task. And this was just the beginning.

James Michener paints a picture of the area and of the families whose ancestry intertwine over time from the 1500s to the late 1970s. I will think of them every time I sit along the banks of the local waterways or watch the water spilling from Conowingo Dam.

Related Link:

Not long after I began reading Chesapeake, BarbRad reviewed The World is My Home by James Michener. She explains that in this memoir he shares stories of his life, travels, interests, and writing. I've added this memoir to my reading list and look forward to learning more about the author who wrote the engrossing story I'm reading now.

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Sunday, March 15, 2020

10 Calming and Distracting Things to Do

Calming and Distracting Things to Do

With all that's going on in the world, some distraction is in order.

When you've had your fill of news, and consumed as much info as you need for a day or so, here are some things you can do to take your mind off the world.

1. Listen to Music

Yes, I know, that's predictable! You've heard it a million times. The principle of Occams Razor applies right now (the simplest solution is often the best or right one - paraphrasing). With that in mind, turn off the TV for a while or forever, and pick a few songs that speak to you.

Here, let me recommend a fantastic song for country music fans; have you listened to Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's song "Nobody But You?" If not, take a minute. It's a perfect song to cuddle up to or think about the one you love, and what's most important in life.

Lyrics
"Don't have to leave this town to see the world
'Cause it's something that I gotta do
I don't wanna look back in thirty years
And wonder who you're married to
Wanna say it now, wanna make it clear
For only you and God to hear
When you love someone, they say you set 'em free
But that ain't gonna work for me"

It's currently my favorite country music song - hope you enjoy it.

2. Watch Inspirational Videos

This is a little self-serving; here's one of my most recent video-poems. Written about a month ago, it's about finding clarity and calm in life.

This year I've vowed to work on body, mind, and spirit. The video speaks to the spirit side of life. I call it Living in Light. If you need a little calm, mixed with a teaspoon of hope and faith, this one is for you.

3. Cooking - Do You Love to Cook?

If you love to cook there are a ton of recipes from our writers here on ReviewThisReviews. Be sure to check out the recipe section. You can find it here.

4. Puzzles and Games

You've already thought of this right? Board games, riddle games, and puzzles. If you're not in the mood to play family games, distract yourself with riddles. Yep, I happen to write them. Here's one, can you solve it?

Find more at StumpedRiddles.com

5. Dance in Your Kitchen

Oh, that sounds really dumb, doesn't it? It's not. Turn up the radio and dance. The exercise is good for us physically and mentally. Who cares how silly we look. Blast your favorite music and go for it.

6. Exercise

If your health permits and you have exercise equipment, use it. If not, there are plenty of yoga and exercise videos on Youtube and TV you can follow. I like this basic exercise video for Arms. This lady features short easy-to-do videos.

7. Draw, Paint or Create

Now is a good time to tackle that book you've always wanted to write. If books aren't your thing, sketch or paint. Stepping back in time, it's said that the plague may have influenced Shakespeare to create his best works. You can read about it here.

If you've wanted to write a book, but aren't sure where to start, I've written several articles with tips from my own personal experience of writing my first books. You can find them here:

A. Getting Started on Your eBook B. Confessions of a Newbie Self Publisher C. 5 Helpful Tools from a Newbie Self Publisher D. More Tips From a Newbie Self Publisher

8. Binge Watch TV

Oh my, that's too much couch time, but if you can't help yourself, here are some comical tips on what not to do when you binge-watch.

9. Read a Book

If you're looking for a book to read, check out the book reviews by the Contributors on this site. There are some serious book-readers here! You can scroll through the reviews by starting here.

10. Express Your Love to Family and Friends

Don't hold back. Say it out loud or by text or phone if you have to, but say it. Say it over and over, and even say it for others to hear. Spread love - let your voice be heard.

My own Mind, Body and Spirit tips for 2020 are reviewed here.

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Saturday, March 14, 2020

Doctor Dogs – A Book Review

How Our Best Friends are Becoming Our Best Medicine

We are familiar with seeing eye dogs, service dogs, military working dogs, dogs trained to assist Law Enforcement, and dogs who work in search and rescue.

Now, more and more as time goes by, scientific studies are finding that dogs can be trained to help people with chronic medical conditions, both physical & mental, and to detect diseases such as Cancer and Parkinson's.

Doctor Dogs, written by Maria Goodavage, relates many of these studies, along with a number of stories of individual canines and the people they are helping. The emotional element in this book is as powerful as the science. The book jacket states:

You don't have to be a dog lover to care deeply about what we are learning from these dogs – and if you're not a dog lover, you will be by the end of this book!

Doctor Dogs

Doctor Dogs by Maria Goodavage

Published in 2019, Doctor Dogs relates a globe-trotting journey made by journalist and author Maria Goodavage who visited top research centers around the United States, throughout Europe and England and as far away as Japan. Through her excellent story-telling we meet many fantastic dogs, learn of their training in various areas and discover how they are impacting (and actually saving, in many cases) the lives of people whose well-being depends on these highly skilled personal MDs (medical dogs).

A Collection of (Trained) Canines in Doctor Dogs

From Angus to Zen......

Angus (Clostridium difficile-detection dog)
Baby Boo (cancer detection dog)
Bob (autism-assistance dog)
Bud (seizure-alert dog)
Daisy (cancer detection dog)
Dexter (seizure-alert dog)
Duke (crisis-response dog)
George (cancer detection dog)
Hank (psychiatric service dog)
Jedi (diabetic alert dog)
Leo (educational-aide dog)
Nina (seizure alert dog)
Parker (cancer detection dog)
Sally (malaria detection dog)
Zen (Parkinson's alert dog)

As you can see from the list above, dogs can be trained to help and assist in many different ways. The training described is fascinating. Dogs can learn to 'alert' to impending seizures (giving the patient time to find a safe place to sit or lie down), or alert to diabetic highs and lows, especially helpful in children with Type I diabetes who are too young to recognize when they are in trouble.

There are Doctor Dogs who can detect cancers and Parkinson's Disease. There are psychiatric service dogs who have proven to be invaluable to children with autism and people suffering from PTSD, both returning soldiers of war and civilians with trauma-induced PTSD.

These abilities and feats dogs are being trained to do are just a few of the areas of medicine, and more, being researched at this time.

Maria Goodavage, Author

Maria Goodavage
(Source: Wikimedia)

Maria Goodavage is a veteran journalist who has written a number of best-selling books about dogs; two about military dogs, one about Secret Service dogs who protect the President of the United States, and now Doctor Dogs.

Maria lives in San Francisco with, among others, her yellow Labrador retriever, Gus.

Summary

The dogs trained for these medical specialties are carefully matched to the individuals they will serve and are almost always of a calm nature. Labrador Retrievers are a popular breed in this field, but just about any breed who is friendly and calm can be trained to be a good Doctor Dog.

These Doctor Dogs absolutely love what they are doing. They adore and become very attached to their 'people'.

What is their paycheck for their lifesaving work? All they need are heartfelt praise and a tasty treat or favorite toy. I'd say that's the easiest fee to pay any doctor.

(c) Doctor Dogs Book Review by Wednesday Elf 3/14/2020

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Friday, March 13, 2020

ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviewed

Exercise is not my favorite pastime! However, like everyone else, I need to exercise regardless of the weather. Few exercise machines work for me because I have a severely curved spine (scoliosis), therefore strain on my spine causes a great deal of pain.

Over the years, I have tried several exercise regiments and different low impact machines. Until I discovered the recumbent exercise bike, all exercise ended in pain.

While I would be the first to say there is no substitute for walking, I am grateful to have found an indoor exercise machine that actually works for me. By the way, I have tried other types of exercise bikes, but the backless style puts too much pressure on my spine.

The Pro-Form 235 CSX Recumbent Exercise Bike Information & Features

ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent BikeCheck PriceOriginally, I planned to purchase a exercise bike made by a company that is renowned for quality bicycles. My husband suggested I go to a local store that has them set up and allows you to test them. I am so glad I took his advice! The one I thought I wanted was uncomfortable, which means I would end up not using it.

When I sat on the Pro-Form Recumbent Bike, I was shocked at the difference. The seat is supportive and quite comfortable. Because the seat will move forward, I was able to set it for my leg length with my back pressed against the seat back for support.

It is recommended that you exercise 5 days a week, for 30 minutes. I am easily able to peddle for 30 minutes without experiencing any pain, during or after. That is amazing!

There are 18 difference workout settings which emulate riding on various terrains, or you can simply peddle at your own pace and preferred resistance level.

For example, I can take it slow and easy, with no resistance, for 30 minutes and burn 150 calories. A real workout would obviously yield greater results.

Additional Features

Requires 4 D Batteries for Monitor (a power adapter is sold separately)
Monitor shows time, speed, watts, & calories burned
EKG Grip Pulse
Built-in Audio for Ipod
Adjustable Cushioned Seat
Water Bottle Holder
Quiet (almost silent)
Approximately 5' long & 2' wide
275 lb. Weight Limit

Other Considerations Before You Begin

It takes a few hours to assemble the exercise bike and having a second person to help is preferred. You don't want to rush the assembly time!

You will also need a carpet piece or mat underneath the bike to avoid damaging floors when exercising.

Plus, be sure to buy your batteries or the AC adapter in advance. You will want to be able to test everything immediately after it is assembled.

Entertainment While Exercising

ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviewed

Most often, I feel like I should be doing something instead of dedicating time to exercise. After all, real bicycling allows you to enjoy your surroundings, the sounds, the smells, and the beauty of the great outdoors. It is a totally different experience than just plain exercising.

Frankly, I need a distraction when I exercise. The ProForm 235 CSX Recumbent Bike has a slot in front of the monitor for an iPad or Kindle. Instead of watching the monitor, I watch a movie, read, listen to an audio book or to music. Before I know it, the 30 minutes have passed.

Of course, you would set your own workout length of time and preferred resistance. Just be sure to bring your water bottle and entertainment along for the ride.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. You should consult your physician before starting this or any exercise program to determine what is best for your needs.