If you're feeling the summer heat, use your inside time to dip a toe into a new world. Books, games, and videos are all great indoor escapes. Kick your favorites up a notch with these fun and funky finds. Resources for Readers: Many of us still enjoy the feel of a book in our hands, but paperbacks have soared in price. Then there are the stacks. We want to declutter, but throwing out books is just so darn hard. And once you clear a stack, you'll only want more so, what's the point? Paperbackswap lets you trade your completed stack for a new TBR (to be read) stack. There are three tiers of membership from free (2 free swaps, then $.49 per swap) to $20.00 per year for unlimited trades. Here’s how this online book swapping club works:
List books you have to swap.
When another member requests a book you have, mail it to them.
In return, you choose from over 1,100,000 available books.
You pay postage for the books you send out, but the books you receive come postage paid.
When you receive a book, it’s yours to keep or swap again.
You can also choose from audiobooks, hardbacks, and textbooks.
Tools for Writers: We've all heard it-you need good SEO to help readers find you on the internet. But, if you're like me, you cringe at the thought of dealing with Search Engine Optimization. I don't want to do all that technical stuff. I just want to write. You can pay someone to do SEO for you or watch YouTube videos until you're blind. Whether you DIY or pay a professional, the techies are right. You need SEO if you want to be found on the web. If you can't afford to pay a pro and the videos aren't doing it for you, or you're just a hands-on kind of writer, give Udemy a shot. I found six SEO for beginner courses priced between $15.00 and $25.00. I selected Alex Genadinik's SEO Masterclass 2021. For a non-techie, it's tough sledding, but at least I know what a long-tail keyword is now! Note: I'm NOT an affiliate, just a satisfied customer. Visit: Udemy.com. Now for the fun stuff. Are you struggling to get a feel for the New York waterfront in the 1930s or need to see how people really dressed in San Diego in 1923? The Prelinger Archives is a collection of films relating to U.S. cultural history, everyday life, and social history. You'll find thousands of home movies, newsreels, advertisements, and lots more. The comments on the 1950s high school "hygiene" films alone are worth the visit. I've added Drugs in Our Culture to my watch list. According to the description, Jim Nabors sings opera in this anti-drug film from the 1960s. Can't wait. New Worlds for Adventurers: Can't get to the beach? Then go fishing and boating in the Florida Keys with twins Emily and Amanda Gale. They share their passion for the water on the YouTube channel Gale Force Twins. After earning degrees in Microbiology and Immunology, the twins began careers in the sportfishing industry. I discovered their videos while researching Florida's Intercoastal Waterway, but it's not all about the boats. They share recipes, teach their dog to paddleboard, and do a little kayaking. If your schedule doesn't allow for a trip to the Keys, check out this fun channel. Enjoy this newsletter? Please share it with a friend!
Comments