Author Archives: The Narrator

The Sirens of the Drive-Thru: America’s Fast Food Odyssey

Back in ancient Greece, sailors were said to be lured off course by the Sirens’ song, an enchanting melody so irresistible that men would throw themselves into the sea just to get closer. Fast forward to modern-day America. Our sirens … Continue reading

Posted in Science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shiver Me Timbers, It Be Talk Like a Pirate Day! And Our Motto? Well…

Ahoy, ye landlubbers and salty dogs! Today be the one day o’ the year when we cast off the shackles o’ proper English and embrace the glorious tongue o’ the buccaneer! So hoist the Jolly Roger (metaphorically, unless ye got … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Holidays, Humor, Language | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are Artificial Sweeteners Stealing Years from Our Brains?

Back in July, I explored the ongoing debate around artificial sweeteners — substances that promise all the sweetness without the calories. At that time, most of the discussion centered on cancer risk, metabolic effects and the gut microbiome. Now, a … Continue reading

Posted in Science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Space Between Us

I don’t really like talking about politics. I have my own opinions, leaning off-center, but I won’t say which way, because it shouldn’t matter. What I care about more than declaring my political lean is holding space for honest conversation. … Continue reading

Posted in Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

There Be Dragons Here: The Secrets of the Deep

Among the many hats that I wear, one of my favorites is a caving helmet. For many years my wife and I have been members of the National Speleological Society, an organization dedicated to the study, exploration and conservation of … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Neighborhood Menu: Tales from the Wetlands Edge

Content Warning: This post deals with the difficult topic of pets and wildlife and uses dark humor to discuss the food chain. It may not be suitable for all readers.   If you live on the edge of a wilderness … Continue reading

Posted in Animals | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life on the Edge … of a Wetlands Reserve

When people talk about a quiet, peaceful neighborhood, they usually mean low traffic, polite neighbors and the gentle hum of suburban life. I have one of those, but with a twist. Living on the edge of a wetlands reserve sounds … Continue reading

Posted in Animals | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence: Why It Matters for the World’s Future

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 was a shocking event that reverberated across the globe. For many, it seemed to come out of nowhere, an act of unprovoked aggression in the 21st century. But to understand the … Continue reading

Posted in World | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The County Fair: Where Fun Meets First Aid

Every summer the county fair rolls into town with its smell of funnel cakes, squeal of livestock and the whirl of carnival rides. And every summer my search and rescue team trades our wilderness gear for matching team t-shirts and … Continue reading

Posted in Search and Rescue | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

When Humans Attack: A Cautionary Tale About Wildlife Encounters

A coworker of mine recently went to Yellowstone Bear World, a private animal reserve in West Yellowstone, Montana, to hold, pet and bottle feed bear cubs.  This seems wrong on so many levels.  We often see news stories about “adults”, … Continue reading

Posted in Animals | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment